We get our birds from a local hatchery, just hours old, and they spend the first 2-3 weeks or so in our safe, warm brooder. As soon as the weather allows, we wean them to the outdoors. Once they reach appropriate size, usually around 5-6 weeks of age, we move them fully out to pasture protected by our portable "chicken tractors", set inside a temporary, portable paddock. This allows the birds to get more fresh air, exercise, and increases their ability to forage and range. We move the tractors 1-2 times a day, so the birds always have fresh, cool grass and natural treats to eat and lounge on. In addition, the frequent moves enrich the soil and pasture, reduces parasite loads, and prevents manure from becoming toxic and killing off microbes or leaching into the ground water. Each tractor has fresh water, and the birds are supplemented with grit and a balanced organic feed. Around 8-9 weeks of age, we humanely harvest the birds right here at Red Gate Farm, which eliminates the stress of transport to a processing plant. Our meat bird program works beautifully to enrich our soils here at Red Gate Farm, LLC, while also supplying a wonderful source of protein for our livestock guardian dogs, hogs, and family!