Category: Chickens

Easter Egger Roosters Available

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Easter Egger Rooster

Easter Egger Roosters are a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers, especially those who love a splash of personality and color in their flock. Here’s a quick overview of what makes them special—and what to watch out for.

What Is an Easter Egger?

Easter Egger Roosters

“Easter Egger” isn’t a true breed but rather a chicken that carries the blue egg gene, usually from breeds like Ameraucana crossed with other types. The result? Chickens that can lay a rainbow of egg colors (though roosters don’t lay eggs, of course!).

Traits of Easter Egger Roosters

1. Appearance:

• Wildly varied! No two Easter Eggers look exactly the same.

• They can have beards, muffs, pea combs, and come in many color patterns.

• Often have greenish legs and stocky builds.

2. Temperament:

• Unpredictable. Some Easter Egger roosters are calm, friendly, and protective. Others can be aggressive and territorial. Ours are very tame.

• Socialization from a young age helps reduce aggression.which is why our Roosters are tame.

3. Crowing:

• Like all roosters, they crow—early and often. Keep this in mind if you have close neighbors or noise restrictions.

4. Breeding:

• When bred with hens that carry the blue egg gene, they can pass on colorful egg-laying genetics to offspring.

• Their chicks can have a wide variety of appearances, just like them.

5. Behavior:

• Active and alert.

• Can be good flock protectors, sounding the alarm for predators and keeping an eye on the hens.

Pros of Keeping an Easter Egger Rooster:

• Adds genetic diversity and fun traits to your flock.

• Can pass on colorful egg-laying potential to chicks.

• Unique appearance adds flair to your flock.

Tips for Managing an Easter Egger Rooster:

• Handle often when young to promote friendliness. Like we do at Briden Farm.

• Don’t tolerate aggression—firm boundaries are key.

• Provide plenty of hens (8–10 per rooster) to avoid over-mating.

• Watch for signs of bullying or feather loss in hens.

Want help naming your rooster or managing a feisty one?
I’ve got tips for that too—just say the word!

Have Questions? Call Brian at Briden Farm 902-907-0770 


Book: The Small Scale Poultry Flock

If You’ve Never Tried Pastured Poultry

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Pastured Chickens

If you’ve never tried pastured poultry, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. After all, isn’t chicken just chicken? Not quite. Pastured poultry is a game-changer when it comes to flavor, nutrition, and ethical farming. Unlike conventionally raised chickens that spend their lives in cramped, indoor conditions, pastured poultry are raised outside, where they can roam freely, forage for bugs and greens, and live a more natural life. This makes a huge difference in the quality of the meat and eggs they produce. Pastured chicken tends to be richer in flavor, with a firmer texture that’s often described as more “real” compared to the soft, bland meat of factory-farmed birds. If you’ve ever had chicken that reminded you more of cardboard than food, you’ll immediately notice the difference when you take a bite of pastured poultry.

But the benefits go beyond just taste. Studies have shown that pastured poultry has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, along with more vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other nutrients. Since these birds are eating a natural diet instead of just grain-based feed, their meat and eggs are packed with more of the good stuff your body needs. Plus, they aren’t pumped full of antibiotics, which is a big deal when it comes to food safety and antibiotic resistance. Many large poultry operations rely on routine antibiotics to keep their birds from getting sick in overcrowded conditions, but pastured birds are naturally healthier due to their cleaner, more spacious environment. That means you can feel good knowing that your chicken isn’t contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Then there’s the environmental and ethical side of things. Pastured poultry farming is better for the land, as it promotes healthier soil and reduces the pollution problems associated with large-scale poultry operations. When birds are allowed to move around and forage naturally, their manure is spread across the land in a way that nourishes the soil rather than contaminating waterways, as often happens in industrial poultry farming. It also means the birds live in a way that’s closer to how nature intended—scratching, pecking, dust-bathing, and enjoying fresh air. If you care about where your food comes from, knowing that your chicken lived a decent life before it ended up on your plate is a huge plus.

Of course, pastured poultry can be a bit more expensive than conventionally raised chicken, but many people find it’s worth the extra cost. When you factor in the better nutrition, superior taste, and the peace of mind that comes from supporting ethical farming, it’s easy to see why so many people are making the switch. Plus, because pastured poultry tends to be more flavorful, you may find that you don’t need as much seasoning or sauce to make a great meal. Simple, high-quality ingredients shine when you start with great chicken.

With pastured poultry, you don’t need complicated recipes to make a great meal. The natural flavor, added nutrients, and ethical benefits make it a choice worth considering. Whether you roast, grill, or stir-fry, you’ll taste the difference and feel good about what you’re eating.

However, if you’re wondering how to make the most of pastured poultry, here are a couple of delicious, simple recipes to get you started. 

Go Here for Recipes


Pastured Poultry Profits

Garlic Herb Roasted Pastured Chicken

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Roast Chicken

This classic recipe lets the natural flavor of pastured poultry shine.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole pastured chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.

3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil (or butter), garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.

4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin for extra flavor.

5. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges.

6. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before carving. 

Here’s a Recipe for Pastured Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry


 

Pastured Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

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Stir Fry Photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash

Pastured Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy meal packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 pastured chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

• 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 1 tsp honey

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.

3. Add the garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli, and stir-fry for another 4–5 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger, then pour over the stir-fry.

5. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is coated and well combined.

6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.


Chicken Stir Fry Cookbook