In a world, and an industry, where speed often takes precedence over quality, Joyce Farms’ slow-growing Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken stands as a testament to the adage that good things come to those who wait. This blog post, along with our latest infographic, highlights the multiple advantages of selecting slow-growing chicken breeds.
By focusing on slow-growing, heritage breeds, farmers help preserve genetic diversity in poultry. This genetic variety is crucial for maintaining resilient flocks that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and resist diseases. Preserving these breeds means keeping a vital part of our agricultural heritage alive and thriving, and ensures their unique culinary characteristics can be enjoyed by future generations.
One of the most noticeable benefits of slow-growing chickens is the superior flavor and texture of the meat. A longer growth period allows for more developed muscles and intramuscular fat, resulting in a succulent texture and rich, deep flavor. Slow-growing chickens are also less likely to develop issues such as "woody breast," a condition common in fast-growing breeds where the breast muscle becomes tough and fibrous.
Raising chickens at a natural pace leads to healthier, less stressed birds. Slow-growing chickens have fewer skeletal problems and cardiovascular diseases, issues that are common in fast-growing breeds. This approach aligns with better animal welfare practices, ensuring that the birds live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Our infographic starkly contrasts the growth rates and feed requirements of modern commercial chickens with our Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chickens. Modern broiler chickens grow 325% faster than their 1950s counterparts. To put that in perspective, if a child’s growth were altered at the same rate, a 3-year-old would weigh almost 150 lbs, surpassing 200 lbs by age 7!
Joyce Farms’ Poulet Rouge® Chickens, however, grow at a natural speed and are on the farm twice as long as modern commercial chickens. With unaltered heritage genetics, they grow to be 36% smaller than modern commercial broiler chickens, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Raising slow-growing breeds like Joyce Farms’ Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chicken requires more time, feed, and care. It takes approximately 13.5 lbs of feed to raise a Poulet Rouge® Chicken to a live weight of 4.75 lbs over 84 days, compared to just 7.2 lbs of feed for a commercial broiler to reach the same weight in about 36 days.
While this investment results in a higher price tag, the benefits are clear: exceptional flavor, enhanced nutrition, and better animal welfare. Choosing slow-growing breeds supports ethical farming and ensures a superior dining experience.
In a fast-paced world, Joyce Farms invites you to slow down and savor the difference. Our commitment to raising slow-growing Poulet Rouge® Heritage Chickens ensures that you enjoy meat that is not only flavorful and nutritious but also ethically produced. It's truly worth the wait.
For more detailed insights, download our infographic and discover why choosing slow-growing breeds makes all the difference in quality and taste.
Follow the full journey of our Poulet Rouge® Chicken—from eggs in France to 12 weeks of pasture-centered care on Carolina farms.
Another AA for Joyce Farms! Our latest food safety score highlights the pride, care, and commitment that goes into every product we produce.
