Rudd Ranger Chickens Helping A New Orchard

As we watched from just beyond a low poultry fence three adolescent Rudd Rangers raced from their coop to chase a grasshopper The fastest one snatched the protein-rich treat and quickly swallowed it

 

We were at Etzel’s Sugar Grove Farm just north of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the home of Rodale Midwest Organic Center Their staff are working to solve an orchardist’s problem

 

“We are learning ways to use chickens to create an income source before tiny trees bear fruit or nuts,” said Research Director Sean Stokes Planting fruit or nut trees is expensive, and they need to be tended for several

Raising Meat Chickens: From Chick to Freezer

How to Raise Meat Chickens from Chicks to Freezer

There’s something deeply rewarding about raising your own food When it comes to poultry, meat chickens (also called broilers) can provide a healthy, sustainable, and flavorful source of protein right from your backyard But raising meat birds is a little different than keeping a small flock of egg layers If you’re considering this step, here’s what you need to know to raise meat chickens successfully—from fluffy chicks to processing day

Step 1: Choosing the Right Breed

Not all chickens are created equal when it comes to meat production

  • Cornish Cross: The most popular