Our Chickens

In addition to our layer hens, we also have broilers on the farm.  We thought it might be nice for you to see just what these guys look like.  Until recently, we have been using the industry-standard cornish rock cross.  They are not the most attractive animals and aren't perfectly suited for the exposure to the elements our farming practices dictate.  We are thrilled to be using a new variety of broiler from Freedom Rangers (www.freedomrangers.net).  These birds are designed to be outdoors, they feather out quickly, range well, and have grown remarkably.

Given that we are scientists by training, we thought it best to do a side-by-side comparison of these two birds.  Please see the photos below of the cornish rock crosses (white) with the four different varieties of freedom rangers.  The CRX's are 4 days younger than the freedom rangers.  These photos were taken when they were 3 weeks old and the freedom rangers were 3.5 weeks old.

 A bronze ranger, a gray ranger, and the CRX in the middle

All four varieties of freedom rangers with the white cornish rock cross

The babies have finally arrived.  The pictures below are from April 13th, the chicks are nearly 2 weeks old now.  Wing feathers are prominent and they are definately growing - as evidenced by their voracious appetite!

Red Leghorn

Here's a funky picture of an Aracuna!

Here's my favorite breed - the Dominique

Another Dominique

And finally, a couple of New Hampshire Reds

Of course, we wouldn't get rid of our phots of the older girls!

A Rhode Island Red Struts through the field

Two Buff Orpingtons and a Barred Rock rest under cover