Pastured chicken has become an increasingly popular choice for health and ethically-minded consumers. Also known as pasture-raised, free-range, or organic chicken, pastured chicken comes from birds that are allowed to roam and forage outdoors on pasture This results in chicken that is higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3s and lower in saturated fats compared to conventionally-raised chicken Additionally, pastured chicken farming is better for the environment and provides chickens with more natural living conditions.
If you want to buy high-quality pastured chicken for your family here is a guide on where to find it close to home. We’ll cover why pastured chicken is better what to look for when buying it, and local sources for pastured poultry and eggs.
Why Choose Pastured Chicken?
There are several reasons why pastured chicken is one of the healthiest and most ethical protein choices:
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Higher in omega-3s: Pastured chickens eat a diverse diet from foraging including worms, grass, and insects. This leads to higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional chicken. Omega-3s are linked to improved heart health.
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Lower in saturated fat With more room to move around, pastured chickens get more exercise and have less fat. Their meat contains a healthier balance of fats.
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No antibiotics or added hormones: Responsible pastured chicken farmers do not use antibiotics or artificial hormones. This avoids the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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More humane farming: Life on pasture provides chickens with fresh air, space to roam, and a natural environment suited to their needs. This promotes better welfare compared to cramped indoor factory farms.
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Better for the environment: The manure from pastured chickens naturally fertilizes the soil as the birds are rotated to fresh pasture. This eliminates pollution issues associated with large manure lagoons on factory farms.
When you buy from local pastured chicken farms, you are supporting more sustainable and ethical food production while getting great-tasting, nutritious meat for your family. It’s a win-win situation.
What to Look for When Buying Pastured Chicken
With the rising popularity of pastured poultry, you may see some labels that can be misleading regarding a chicken’s life and diet. Here are a few things to look for when buying real pastured chicken:
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Pasture-raised: This label ensures the chickens had access to outdoor pasture during the day. Chickens should be moved to fresh pasture regularly.
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Organic: Organic standards for poultry farming ensure the chickens eat certified organic, GMO-free feed and do not receive antibiotics.
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Animal welfare certified: Look for certification from Animal Welfare Approved or Certified Humane which have rigorous standards for living conditions.
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Non-GMO: Confirm the chickens were fed non-GMO feed without genetically engineered grains like corn or soy.
When buying direct from a local farm, speak with them about their farming practices to learn more about their standards. Also check if they offer farm visits to see the chickens for yourself.
Where to Buy Pastured Chicken Locally
Finding authentic pastured chicken close to home used to be challenging. But with the rising consumer demand, more small family farms are shifting to natural, pasture-based production. Here are some ways to find and purchase pastured chicken and eggs in your area:
Local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a great place to find local pastured chicken. Chat with the farmer and ask them about how they raise their chickens. Some may even sell eggs from pastured hens. Going early in the morning will provide the best selection.
Online Farm Stores
Many small farms now offer online ordering and next-day delivery straight from the farm. Companies like Wrong Direction Farm provide pasture-raised chicken delivery in New York while White Oak Pastures ships pastured poultry nationwide.
Local Butcher Shops
Visit local butcher shops and specialty grocery stores to ask if they source any meat from nearby pastured chicken farms. Some may feature locally grown chickens seasonally.
Food Cooperatives
Joining a local food co-op can provide access to pastured chicken from regional farms. Many co-ops work with smaller producers to offer local, organic, and pastured meat options.
Online Databases
Eatwild.com and LocalHarvest.org have searchable databases to find pastured chicken and other grass-fed meats nearby. Simply enter your zip code to find local producers.
Tips for Cooking Pastured Chicken
Once you have sourced high-quality pastured chicken, you want to handle and prepare it properly to enjoy the full flavor and nutrition benefits:
- Let the meat rest 20 minutes before cooking or eating to prevent moisture loss.
- Cook slowly using lower heat to keep the delicate meat tender.
- Enhance flavor with herbs, citrus, garlic, and spices instead of heavy sauces.
- Reserve bones to make homemade broth. This captures nutrients like collagen.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days and freeze extra portions for later use.
With its superior nutrition and ethics, pastured chicken is worth seeking out for quality home-cooked meals. Follow this guide to find and buy happy, healthy pastured poultry close to home. Support local farms producing chicken the right way while enjoying great taste and nutrition for your family.
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PASTURE RAISED – CORN FREE – SOY FREE – REGENERATIVE
We’ve set the gold standard for nutrient density and ethical farming. Since starting with 50 birds in our Southern California backyard in 2012, we have never compromised on our values. Today, our grass fed meats continue to be a testament to our passion for providing wholesome, ethically raised products you can nourish your family with.
Pastured Chicken – Where to Buy
FAQ
How to find pasture raised chicken?
To find pasture-raised chicken, start by searching online for local farms or farmers’ markets that sell poultry. You can also explore online directories like EatWild.com or Get Real Chicken.
Does Whole Foods sell pastured chicken?
Whole Foods Market , Pasture Raised Whole Chicken, 16 Ounce. FREE grocery delivery is available to Prime members.
Is pastured chicken the same as free range chicken?
“Free-range” and “pasture-raised” are terms that describe the environment where the chickens that lay eggs are raised. Chickens that lay pasture-raised eggs have the most outdoor space and eat a more varied diet. Chickens that lay free-range eggs have some outdoor access but less space than pasture-raised ones.Apr 1, 2025
Is pasture raised chicken worth it?
Pasture-raised chicken meat tends to be higher in iron, higher in Omega 3, have a lower Omega 6:3 ratio, and be higher in antioxidants (Vitamin E, for example).
Are eggs from pastured hens available year-round?
Eggs from pastured hens are a new addition. We raise the best, freshest eggs possible. The chickens are always outside with the other animals. The meat is available in individual cuts or whole, half or split-half carcasses. Lamb, beef, pork, and veal are available frozen year-round. The poultry is seasonal. Eggs are available year-round.
Where can I buy chickens in Gardiner NY?
Broilers are available monthly from May to October and pastured turkey are available in time for Thanksgiving. Grassfed lamb, beef, and pork are available in the fall. You can purchase eggs from Four Winds pastured chickens from April through November. Four Winds Farm, Polly and Jay Armour, 158 Marabac Road, Gardiner NY 12525. (845) 255-3088.
Where can I buy organic chicken & turkey?
The chickens are Cornish X and turkeys are red burbons (a heritage breed) or Broad Breasted White. Certified Organic Pork is available all year. We sell wholesale to stores (Wilton Village Market in Wilton, CT. and It’s All Good in Cherry Valley, NY) and restaurants.
Where can I buy chicken in Little Falls NY?
Chicken is available in summer and fall. Turkeys are available for Thanksgiving and can be shipped in NY only. Hunter Crossing Farm, Debbie Christensen, 592 Burrell Road, Little Falls NY 13365. (315) 823-2663. Ingallside Meadows is a family run farm intent on raising healthy food for a growing family.
Is Autumn’s Harvest farm pasture raised?
All of our animals are pasture raised. A Greener World certifies our beef, pork, and eggs as Animal Welfare Approved, and our beef as Certified Grassfed. When Autumn’s Harvest Farm was created by Tim and Sarah Haws in 2001, they took into account how damaging the agriculture industry can be to the environment.
Where can I buy a cut of meat?
Individual cuts of meat are available directly from the farm year-round by appointment. Meat is also available by the whole or half but must be preordered. We are certified organic by Vermont Organic Farmers. Some of our products are also available at 911 Earth in Athens PA.