Today’s grocery store chickens are often two to three times larger than chickens were just a few decades ago, a change most people don’t even notice because it's become the industry standard. But when you compare it to the chicken from Good Ranchers, the difference is eye-opening. Why? Well, because at Good Ranchers, we prioritize quality over quantity. A cornerstone of our chicken program is our commitment to exclusively source our chicken from farms that participate in a Small Bird Program.
What Is the Small Bird Program?
Our Small Bird Program focuses on raising chickens naturally-without antibiotics, added hormones, or added saline solutions to help prevent moisture loss during cooking and additionally adding weight to the products. The result? Better health, better flavor, and chicken the way it should be. The birds are allowed to grow at a more natural pace, which results in a firmer texture and enhanced flavor. This method honors the way chickens have been raised throughout history, because good chicken doesn’t need to be inflated. By focusing on traditional practices, we provide a product that not only tastes better but also reflects our commitment to ethical farming and animal welfare. At Good Ranchers, we believe in returning to those roots, ensuring that every bite is a reminder of what chicken is meant to be.
The Benefits of The Small Bird Program:
- Flavorful and Tender Meat: Small Bird products tend to be more tender due to shorter growth cycles. The flavor is typically richer and retains more moisture during cooking.
- Healthier Options: Consumers often associate small bird chicken with being less industrialized and more natural, since the birds are raised to a younger age. Perception of cleaner, leaner meat with fewer growth-related concerns.
- Better Cooking Experience: Smaller chickens often mean more manageable portion sizes for individuals and families. Products from smaller birds cook more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of undercooked centers or overcooked edges. It’s perfect for busy consumers who want high-quality protein without long prep and cooking times.
- Sustainable Practices: Our Small Bird Program supports humane, sustainable farming methods that put animal welfare first. Because the birds have shorter grow-out times, each one requires less feed, water, and land—which reduces the overall environmental impact.
The Downsides of Oversized Chicken
Oversized chickens may seem appealing at first glance, but they come with significant drawbacks. These birds can develop health issues due to their rapid growth, leading to problems like weak bones and poor muscle structure. Also, larger chickens often have a higher fat content, resulting in meat that’s more fatty and less nutritious. In contrast, our younger birds offer a healthier, more tender, and delicious chicken experience.
In addition to our Small Bird Program, Good Ranchers Chicken:
- Has No Antibiotics Ever (NAE): We prioritize your health by raising chickens without the use of antibiotics.
- Is Triple-Trimmed and Portion Controlled: Our chicken is carefully trimmed not once, not twice, but three times by expert butchers so you don’t have to deal with excess fat, cartilage, or tough bits. Each cut is also portioned into manageable sizes to reduce waste and give you more value with every pack. The result is chicken that’s ready to cook straight from the package, saving you time in the kitchen so you can spend more of it where it matters most—with the people you love.
- Has No Added Hormones: We’re committed to providing natural, wholesome chicken with no added hormones—ever. Choosing our hormone-free chicken gives you confidence in what you’re eating, peace of mind about how it’s raised, and alignment with the health and ethical values you care about. Because you deserve clean food, and we’re here to deliver it right to your door.
Conclusion
At Good Ranchers, we partner with farms that do things the right way. By participating in a Small Bird Program, our chickens grow at a natural pace—just like they did back in the day. We’re not interested in doing what’s popular in our industry. We’re here to revive what’s good. And that means working with people who care about how animals are treated, how food is raised, and how it tastes when it finally hits your table. Because good food isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about feeding them well.