Chickens

We have a flock of 100 chickens and 3 Roman geese. They are pasture raised which means they have a protected acre to graze and forage upon. In the pasture, they enjoy drinking from the fresh spring fed stream that runs though and hiding under the wild apple tree. Our chickens are fed on an organic feed that contains no gmos, soy, pesticides or herbicides. Our eggs are collected and packaged daily.

Our chickens are all heritage breed (with the exception of our colorful egg layers). Some of our breeds include, Dominique, Dorking, Speckled Sussex , French Maran , Crèvecoeur, and Plymouth Rocks .

What does Heritage Breed mean?

Since the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 15th century, Chickens have been part of the American diet. These breeds were well adapted to the outdoors, very hearty, long lived, and reproductively vital birds. This was all true until the industrialization of chickens in the 20th century when they were pushed aside for more rapidly growing hybrids. There are now over 3 dozen breeds of chickens in danger of extinction which would mean the irrevocable loss of the genetic resources and options it embodies. To meet “heritage breed” criteria they must :

1. Genetics traced back to pre 20th century by the American Poultry Association

2. Naturally mating

3.Long, productive outdoor lifespan

4.Slow growth rate

Benedictine Farm is a member of the Livestock Conservancy.

You can find more in depth information and learn about their extremely worthwhile endeavor at www.livestockconservancy.com