Open Sky Poultry

  How Long Should You Rest Fresh Chicken Before Freezing?   A common tip you’ll hear in the poultry world is to let freshly processed whole chickens rest in the fridge for 24 hours before freezing. But is that really necessary? At Open Sky Poultry, we've found that 8 hours of chilling works just fine — and our birds taste great.   💡 Why 24 Hours Is Often Suggested:   • Muscle relaxation (rigor mortis): Right after slaughter, muscles stiffen. Freezing during this phase can make the meat tough.   • Moisture redistribution: Resting allows fluids to settle, leading to juicier meat.   • Cooling safety: A longer rest helps ensure the bird fully reaches safe temperatures below 40°F.   🔍 Why Your 8-Hour Method Still Works:   • Proper cooling: If birds are chilled fast (ice bath or walk-in cooler), rigor resolves quickly.   • Breed matters: Fast-growing breeds like Cornish Cross are tender to begin with.   • Younger birds: These pass throug...

    How to Pluck a Chicken Without a Plucker: Simple Backyard Method   Don’t have a chicken plucker? No problem. With just hot water, a little patience, and the right technique, you can pluck a chicken by hand in your backyard — no fancy equipment needed. Whether you’re processing your first meat birds or just working on a small scale, here’s exactly how to do it right. What You’ll Need:   Large stockpot or turkey fryer Thermometer (target water temp: 145–155°F) Kill cone or safe restraint setup Sharp knife or poultry shears Rubber gloves (optional) Tarp or table Bucket for feathers Tip: Lay down a tarp to catch feathers and make cleanup easier. Step 1: Scald the Chicken The key to easy hand-plucking is getting the scald right.   Heat your water to about 150°F. Dunk the bird completely and move it gently for 30–45 seconds. Check a wing or tail feather — if it pulls easil...

  🐓 Freedom Rangers: A Natural Meat Bird for Pasture-Based Farming     If you’re looking to raise meat chickens that grow slower, forage better, and thrive on pasture, Freedom Rangers might be your perfect flock. These birds are popular among homesteaders and small farms who want a more natural, flavorful, and active meat bird. 🧬 What Are Freedom Rangers? Freedom Rangers are a hybrid breed developed in France and brought to the U.S. as a more sustainable alternative to fast-growing commercial broilers. They are:   🐥 Slower-growing (ready in 9–12 weeks) 🌿 Great foragers and rotational grazing 🍗 Excellent flavor — more like heritage chicken They’re often chosen for organic, non-GMO, and pasture-raised meat operations. ✅ Why Choose Freedom Rangers? These birds are ideal if you value:   Better animal welfare – More active and mobile Superior meat flavor – Darker, richer tasting Pasture per...

  🐔 Cornish Cross Meat Chickens: The Ultimate Guide for Backyard Growers   If you’re raising chickens for meat, the Cornish Cross is the most popular — and for good reason. These birds grow fast, have large breast meat, and are the same breed used by commercial producers. But backyard farmers can raise them more humanely and naturally with great results.   🧬 What Is a Cornish Cross? The Cornish Cross (CX) is a hybrid chicken developed by crossing Cornish and White Rock breeds. They’re known for their:   🚀 Rapid growth (ready to process in 6–8 weeks) 🍗 Heavy breast meat and overall yield 🧘 Docile temperament ✅ Why Choose Cornish Cross? Backyard farmers and homesteaders love CX birds because:   Fast Growth: Butcher-ready in just 6–8 weeks High Meat Yield: Incredible feed conversion ratio Easy to Raise: Docile and not flighty Cost Effective: Lower feed costs per pound of meat 📆 ...

  Where to Buy Meat Birds in Michigan If you're raising meat birds in Michigan, sourcing high-quality chicks from trusted local hatcheries or poultry farms is crucial. Whether you're looking for Cornish Cross, Freedom Rangers, or heritage breeds, this guide highlights the top places to buy meat birds in Michigan. Supporting local hatcheries also reduces shipping stress and improves the health and survivability of your flock. Top Hatcheries and Poultry Farms in Michigan ·          Townline Hatchery – Zeeland, MI: A family-owned hatchery offering Cornish Cross and Red Ranger meat birds. Known for their healthy chicks and reliable shipping. [townlinehatchery.com] ·          Meyer Hatchery – Polk, OH (Ships to Michigan): Though not in Michigan, Meyer Hatchery is a top-rated supplier for Michigan poultry growers. Offers a wide variety of meat birds. ·        ...

  Water Additives for Chickens: Do They Really Help?     Water additives are a simple way to boost flock health — especially for meat birds that grow quickly and can be more prone to stress and illness. From electrolytes to apple cider vinegar, the right additives can support hydration, digestion, and immune function. But not all are necessary — and some can actually do more harm than good.   🩺 When Do Chickens Benefit from Additives?   - During the first 3–7 days after hatch (starter support)   - During hot weather to prevent heat stress   - After transport or stress events (like moving to pasture)   - If your birds are showing early signs of illness   - Post-butchering if you’re keeping a few layers or breeders   🌿 Best Water Additives for Backyard Chickens   Here are the most commonly used and effective water additives:   Additive   Purpose   Notes   Electrolytes + Vitamins   Support hydration, re...