Why We Raise Freedom Ranger Chickens—and Why It Matters

At My EIEIO Farm, we believe that how an animal is raised makes all the difference—not just for their well-being, but for the quality of food on your plate. That’s why we choose to raise Freedom Ranger chickens, a heritage-style breed known for its natural growth rate, hardiness, and rich, flavorful meat.

🐔 What Makes Freedom Rangers Different?

Unlike commercial meat chickens (like Cornish Cross), Freedom Rangers grow at a more natural pace. This slower growth allows their bones, muscles, and organs to develop properly—resulting in healthier birds and meat that tastes the way chicken should taste. They’re active foragers and enjoy scratching, pecking, and exploring, which aligns perfectly with our pasture-based, regenerative approach.

In contrast, industrial broiler chickens are bred for rapid growth, reaching market weight in as little as five weeks. This accelerated growth often leads to health issues such as lameness, breast blisters, and heart failure due to the strain on their developing bodies .

🌱 Why Soy-Free, Non-GMO Feed?

We feed our chickens a custom ration that is both soy-free and non-GMO. Many people are surprised to learn that standard chicken feeds often contain genetically modified corn and soy, even in “natural” or “organic” brands. By avoiding soy and GMOs, we’re giving our chickens a cleaner diet and producing meat that is better for your health—especially for those with soy sensitivities or those trying to avoid GMOs.

Additionally, feeding practices play a role in meat quality. Rapid growth in industrial chickens has been linked to conditions like "white striping," where fat deposits infiltrate the muscle tissue, leading to higher fat content and reduced protein levels in the meat 

🚜 Daily Rotation to Fresh Ground

Our chickens are moved to fresh pasture every day, giving them access to new grass, bugs, and clean ground. This method:

• Keeps the birds healthy by reducing exposure to parasites and pathogens

• Fertilizes the soil naturally

• Allows the chickens to forage and exhibit natural behaviors

• Produces more nutrient-dense, better-tasting meat

It’s labor-intensive, but we believe it’s worth it—for the birds, the land, and the families who eat our food.

🧑‍🌾 Real Chicken Raised the Right Way

Raising chickens this way takes more time and care, but we wouldn't do it any other way. Our goal is simple: to provide you with honest food you can feel good about feeding your family.

If you haven’t tried our chicken yet, we invite you to taste the difference that pasture, clean feed, and daily care make. You’ll never look at grocery store chicken the same way again.