FAQ

What free range standards are in place?

Rangitikei free range chickens have been farmed and audited against all relevant New Zealand welfare standards.
 

What is the free range farm life like? 

Rangitikei’s free range chickens spend the first 3 weeks of their life indoors in a barn until they are fully feathered and equipped to handle going outside. 

Once fully-feathered, the free range chickens are free to roam during the day on their range, sheltering under trees, foraging and pecking amongst natural vegetation. At night time, they are housed in large barns to keep them warm, comfortable and safe from predators. 
 

What is the life of a Rangitikei chicken like?

For the first few weeks of life, Rangitikei chickens are raised in a large barn, in conditions similar to what a nesting hen would provide; the right amount of warmth, humidity, feed and water. 

When the chickens reach 18-21 days of age, the barn doors are opened during daylight hours to provide them access to a grassed area where they are free to roam and forage in the fresh air during daylight hours.

Why are Rangitikei chickens called Corn Fed?

Rangitikei chickens are called Corn Fed because the majority of their feed consists of yellow corn. Other ingredients such as additional grains, vitamins & minerals are added to ensure the birds receive a nutritionally balanced diet.

This balanced diet ensures that the birds remain healthy, and do not suffer deficiencies of proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The yellow skin and fat is natural colour resulting from the chickens eating natural carotenes in the corn and other feed ingredients such as yellow corn supplemented by other grains, vitamins and minerals. Corn harvested earlier in the season will result in the chicken taking on more intense buttery hues than feed made up from late harvest corn.

The free ranging, the natural rate of growth and their feed contribute to enhancing the flavour and taste of Rangitikei Corn Fed Free Range chicken.
 

Are the chickens given growth promoting hormones?

No chickens in New Zealand are given growth promoting hormones.
 

Do other wildlife or animals have access to the chickens?

The chickens are kept in well-fenced areas adjacent to their barns and our farmers are responsible for their safety and well-being. During the day some wild birds may be present on the range. At night time, the chickens are brought inside to large barns, to keep them warm and safe from predators. 
 

Do the chickens eat outdoors?

Chickens are free to forage outdoors amongst natural vegetation in their range, however their feed and water is provided inside the barn and is available to them at all times – day and night.
 

Are the chickens kept in cages whilst they are inside the barns?

Absolutely not. Chickens are free to roam in fenced areas adjacent to their barn or can move around inside the barn.  The barns are large, warm (temperature controlled) and have wood shavings on the floor.
 

Are the chickens GM?

Absolutely not.  The bird is not genetically modified at all.  Rangitikei Free Range Chickens enjoy plenty of fresh air, exercise and a nutritionally balanced diet.

How are the Rangitikei farms audited?

All of our Rangitikei farms are independently audited to ensure they meet or exceed the requirements of the New Zealand Animal Code of Welfare. 

This means that any of our farms can be independently checked at any time by a third party auditor, and it also means that we can ensure that all Rangitikei free range farms meet or exceed these audited standards.

By using this process, it means that when you buy Rangitikei products you can be assured that the utmost care has been taken to ensure we have raised happy and healthy chickens.

What’s in it for me?

Chicken from Free Range farms have come from healthy and happy chickens; by choosing these products you can be confident the food is humanely-produced.
 

Why do Free Range food products cost more?

The cost difference is generally minor compared to the benefits of better quality food, and the moral satisfaction consumers get from knowing the food is ethically produced. But the fact is it simply costs more to farm animals in open spaces than in other more intensive farming practises.

Cooking & Storage Tips

What’s the best way to store raw chicken?

Keep poultry cold, preferably in a fridge at temperatures of 0-4°C. Frozen poultry must be stored at temperatures lower than -16°C.
Always cook poultry by the Use By date indicated, or freeze on day of purchase.
Thaw poultry in the fridge or in the microwave, never on the kitchen bench. Allow 24 hours for thawing.
Always wash your hands, chopping boards and utensils in hot soapy water after handling raw poultry and dry thoroughly on a clean towel.