Farm Life

Rangitikei Chickens are Free Range.

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. It is at this stage that the chickens are most susceptible to disease and environmental conditions.

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 during daylight hours.

As well as lots of fresh air, they also enjoy a longer growth cycle and less density in bird numbers inside the barn. The free range lifestyle is the recipe for fresh from the farm, top quality chickens.

Feed

Rangitikei chickens are called Corn Fed because the majority of their feed consists of corn. Other ingredients 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. 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