Let’s face it. Finding tasty, healthy chicken can be a challenge, and labels like “free-range” can be confusing.
When you’re looking for protein-packed chicken that satisfies your taste buds without compromising your values, then free-range might be the answer! Here at Bird & Barrow, free-range isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our commitment to raising happy, healthy chickens.
Ready to ditch the confusion and enjoy chicken you can feel good about? Explore the top six advantages of free-range chickens and shop with Bird & Barrow online today!
What Actually is Free-Range Chicken?
Free-range chicken farming in New Zealand gives chickens a chance to experience a more natural environment. This means they have designated areas outside the coop to roam, scratch in the dirt, peck for treats, and soak up the sunshine.
Compared to conventional farms, free-range chickens in NZ generally have more space to move around inside the coop as well. While the specifics of free-range practices can vary, it offers a chance for chickens to express natural behaviours and potentially live a bit closer to nature.
Now, let’s explore how free-range chicken benefits families across New Zealand and beyond!
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Low Fat – High Protein
Looking to add a protein punch to your diet without the extra fat? Free-range chicken is the answer!
Free-range chickens are a great low-fat protein source for those watching their fat intake or simply wanting to make healthy choices.
Protein is a crucial building block for muscles, bones, and other tissues. For example, a single skinless, cooked chicken breast from a free-range bird can contain over 50 grams of protein! That’s a significant amount, making free-range chicken a perfect choice for athletes, busy professionals, or anyone looking to add a powerful protein source to their diet.
Consuming high-protein free-range chicken can also contribute to weight management by promoting satiety and limiting calorie intake. This means that you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal while supporting your overall health.
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Added Nutritional Value
Beyond the protein, the benefits of eating free-range chicken include a potential boost of vitamins and minerals!
Free-range chickens often get to enjoy a more natural diet compared to their conventionally raised counterparts. This means they have the freedom to roam and forage for grubs, berries, and greens. This varied diet translates to potential benefits for you when you choose free-range chicken.
Studies suggest that free-range chicken meat might contain high levels of several essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- B Vitamins: Important for energy production, cell metabolism, and nervous system function.
- Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health and immune function.
- Vitamin A: Essential for vision and healthy skin.
- Potassium: An electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
- Sodium: Another electrolyte that plays a role in fluid balance and nerve transmission.
While the exact amounts can vary, this potential for increased vitamins and minerals makes free-range chicken a more nutrient-dense protein option. It’s like having a built-in multivitamin on your plate!
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Better Flavour & Texture
Many people who have switched to free-range chicken rave about its superior flavour and texture!
What’s the reason for this noticeably delicious taste? Free-range chickens get to live a more active life compared to those reared in coops. They have the space to roam and exercise their muscles. This extra activity can contribute to the development of firmer and more flavorful meat.
Think about it. Just like with people, regular exercise can lead to stronger muscles. In chickens, this translates to potentially firmer, less-fatty meat with a more robust taste. So, when you choose free-range whole chicken, you’re not just getting a healthier option; you’re potentially getting a tastier and more satisfying culinary experience!
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Immune System Boost
There’s a reason why hearty chicken soup is number one on the list of foods to eat when you’re feeling sickly. Free-range chicken boasts key nutrients that support immune function, like:
- Zinc: Plays a crucial role in the development and function of immune cells, helping your body fight off infections effectively.
- Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports the immune system’s response to infections.
- Vitamin B6: Essential for the production of antibodies, which help your body recognise and fight off foreign invaders.
By incorporating chicken into your diet regularly, you can reduce the frequency and severity of infections, and promote faster recovery when you get sick.
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Sustainable Farming Practices
Free-range farming offers a healthier approach. These birds are naturally kept healthy through stress reduction, clean environments, and a diverse diet.
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Healthier & Happier Chooks!
Perhaps most importantly, the advantages of free-range chickens aren’t just about taste and nutrition. It’s about supporting the lifestyle of happy and healthy birds! Here’s why:
- Natural Behaviours: Free-range chickens can roam freely, engaging in natural instincts like scratching, pecking, and dust bathing. This reduces stress and promotes overall well-being.
- Sunshine Power: Outdoor access allows chickens to soak up sunlight, a vital source of vitamin D for strong bones.
- Reduced Stress, Better Life: Free-range environments offer more space and a natural setting, significantly reducing stress compared to cramped conventional farms. This leads to happier, healthier birds.
- Improved Animal Welfare: Free-range chickens are raised in more humane conditions, aligning with ethical farming practices and a growing consumer demand for better animal welfare.
By choosing free-range chicken, you’re supporting happy birds, a healthier environment, and ethical practices!
Enjoy the Benefits of Eating Free-Range Chicken – Shop With Bird & Barrow Online Today!
So here’s the takeaway. Free-range chicken isn’t just a label; it’s a commitment to raising happy, healthy birds. At Bird & Barrow, this commitment is at the heart of everything we do.
From the moment our chicks hatch, their well-being is our priority. We provide them with warmth, safety, and the freedom to roam in spacious environments. Our passionate farmers work alongside expert poultry professionals to ensure the best nutrition and care for every bird. We believe in treating our birds with respect and dignity, not just because it’s the right thing to do but because we genuinely care.
The result? Delicious free-range chicken that’s good for you and good for the birds. Discover how free-range chicken benefits you and your family – buy Bird & Barrow at your local stockist today and taste the difference that comes from true care.
