Big News on the Farm: Raising Our Very First Flock of Pasture-Raised Meat Birds!

There is always something exciting happening on the ranch, but today we are thrilled to share a major milestone with you all: we are raising our very first flock of meat birds!

 

These little fluffballs arrived on July 27th, making them the very last batch possible to safely raise on fresh pasture here during a very short Northern Minnesota growing season. Timing is everything when you’re working with the Northern seasons, and we couldn't be more excited to embark on this new chapter of ranch life.

The Brooder Setup: Where It All Begins

Before these chicks can head out to explore the fields, they need a safe, warm, and comfortable environment to grow strong.

Our brooder setup is designed to give them the best possible start:

• Targeted Heat & Cozy Bedding: Newborn chicks can't regulate their own body temperature yet, so keeping them warm, dry, and draft-free is top priority during their first few days.

• Fresh Water & High-Protein Feed: Easy access to nutrition helps them build the strength and feathering they need for life outdoors.

• Clean, Well-Ventilated Space: Plenty of room to move around, stretch their tiny wings, and practice being chickens!

In the video, these babies are just a few days old—already curious, active, and growing fast!

From Brooder to Pasture

Our chicks spend their first two to four weeks in the brooder, depending on how quickly they feather out and what the weather is doing. As soon as they are fully feathered and strong enough to handle the elements safely, they will make their grand exit out onto open pasture!

Moving them onto pasture is at the core of how we manage our ranch. Once outdoors, they’ll get to forage for bugs, scratch in fresh grass, enjoy sunshine, and play an integral role in building and fertilizing our soil.

We can't wait to bring you along on this journey as we watch this flock grow from tiny chicks in the brooder to thriving, pasture-raised birds. Thank you for following along and supporting our farm dream!