If you've been following along with us on our blog, you know how important pasture raising is.  But, do you know why pasture raised is so important?  Let's dive in to see these top reasons why pasture raised chicken is so important.

1. Happy Chickens, Better Meat

First things first, let's talk about the chickens themselves. When it comes to pasture-raised chickens, the emphasis is on their welfare. These chickens have a significantly better quality of life compared to their conventional counterparts. In factory farms, chickens are often crammed into small, crowded spaces with little room to move. This stressful and unnatural environment can lead to unhappy and unhealthy chickens.

On the other hand, pasture-raised chickens are given ample space to roam outdoors. They can enjoy fresh air, natural sunlight, and the freedom to exhibit their natural behaviors. This stress-free environment contributes to happier, healthier chickens. And here's the important part: happy and healthy chickens produce better meat.

Stress and crowded conditions can cause chickens to become sick, which may lead to the use of antibiotics and other medications to keep them alive and growing. These medications can find their way into the meat we eventually consume. In contrast, pasture-raised chickens have a lower risk of getting sick, reducing the need for antibiotics and medications. As a result, the meat from these chickens is often cleaner and free from unwanted chemicals. Of course, at Pasturebird we do not use any antibiotics because our chickens get to live a great life on pasture.

2. Better Nutrition for You

Now, let's talk about what this means for you, the consumer. The meat from pasture-raised chickens tends to be more nutritious. When chickens have access to a natural diet of bugs, worms, grass, grains and other plants, their meat becomes enriched with essential nutrients.

For example, pasture-raised chicken meat often contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Pasturebird chicken has 3X more omega 3 than the other guys. These are the good fats that can have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, pasture-raised chicken meat tends to have more vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, and beta-carotene, which are essential for your overall health.

Furthermore, because these chickens are healthier and raised in a more natural environment, they tend to have leaner meat with a better balance of fat. This results in meat that's not only more nutritious but also tastier and juicier.

3. Environmental Benefits

Pasture-raised chicken isn't just good for chickens and consumers; it's also kinder to the environment. Let's explore how.

a. Reduced Pollution: In factory farms, chickens produce a lot of waste in small spaces. This waste can create serious pollution problems, including contaminated waterways and air pollution. On pasture-based farms, chickens are spread out over larger areas, which means their waste is more spread out too. This reduces the environmental impact and minimizes pollution.

b. Natural Pest Control: Chickens are natural foragers, and they love to eat insects. On pasture-based farms, they get the chance to do just that. By munching on bugs, chickens help control pest populations naturally. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment.

c. Improved Soil Health: The chickens' scratching and pecking behavior also benefit the soil. They help to aerate the soil and spread organic matter, which improves soil health. Healthy soil is essential for growing crops and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

d. Less Energy Use: Pasture-based farming often requires less energy than intensive factory farming. There's no need for massive climate-controlled buildings or complex systems to manage waste. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with chicken production. Plus, Pasturebird uses a state of the art technology to move the coops to fresh pasture every day using solar power.  We are finally making regenerative agriculture scalable.

4. Supporting Local Farmers

When you choose pasture-raised chicken, you're often supporting local farmers and their communities. These farmers typically have smaller, family-owned operations. By purchasing their products, you help these farmers make a living and contribute to the local economy. This can lead to stronger, more vibrant rural communities.

Additionally, supporting local farmers encourages more sustainable farming practices. These farmers are often more connected to their land and have a vested interest in its long-term health. This means they are more likely to use responsible and sustainable farming methods, which benefit everyone in the long run. If you are a farmer or gardener, you should check out these work boots here. We are really impressed with their performance on the field. 

5. Ethical Considerations

Ethical concerns also play a significant role in the choice of pasture-raised chicken. Many people believe that animals should be treated with respect and kindness throughout their lives. Factory farming practices, with their cramped and stressful conditions, often fall short of these ethical standards.

Pasture-raised chicken farming is generally seen as a more humane and compassionate approach. Chickens have space to move around, express natural behaviors, and lead a life that's closer to what they would experience in the wild. This aligns with the ethical values of those who believe in treating animals with care and dignity.

6. Advocating for Change

Your choice to support pasture-raised chicken farming can also have a broader impact. When consumers like you demand high-quality, ethically raised meat, it sends a message to the industry. It encourages more farmers to adopt sustainable and humane practices.

By supporting pasture raised chicken, you're part of a movement that advocates for better treatment of animals, healthier food for consumers, and a more sustainable approach to farming. Your choices can help shift the entire food system toward a more ethical and environmentally responsible model.

To sum it all up, pasture raised chicken is important for several compelling reasons. It leads to happier and healthier chickens, resulting in better meat for consumers. It offers environmental benefits by reducing pollution, promoting natural pest control, and improving soil health. Supporting local farmers and ethical considerations also make it a meaningful choice. Last but not least, by choosing pasture-raised chicken, you not only enjoy superior meat but also contribute to a more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally friendly food system. It's a choice that benefits you, the chickens, the environment, and future generations.