Raising meat birds (Sensitive Content Notice)
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Gentle Disclaimer
This post is shared for educational and transparency purposes only. We understand that raising meat birds is not for everyone. We believe in respecting individual choices and encourage readers to engage with this content at their own comfort level.
How We Raise Our Own Meat Birds on Our Homestead
Raising our own meat birds is an intentional part of life at Semper Fi Homestead. By growing our own food, we stay connected to where our meat comes from, how the animals are treated, and how the land is cared for.
This process allows us to raise meat chickens in a way that prioritizes animal welfare, cleanliness, and respect from start to finish.
Why We Choose to Raise Our Own Meat Birds
We raise our own meat birds because we value knowing how our food is produced. Many commercial systems focus on speed and volume. Our focus is on humane care, clean living conditions, and responsible stewardship of our animals and land.
Raising meat chickens on the homestead also teaches responsibility, gratitude, and sustainability.
Starting With Day Old Chicks
Our meat birds begin as day old chicks raised in a controlled brooder environment. During this stage, we focus on warmth, safety, and cleanliness.
Our brooder care includes:
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Proper temperature and airflow
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Clean, dry bedding
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Fresh water and quality feed
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Daily health checks
Strong beginnings create healthy birds.
Meat Birds Lifestyle
Once the birds are fully feathered, they are moved outdoors to their run.
Meat birds raised on our homestead allows our meat birds to:
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Forage naturally for insects
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Enjoy sunlight and fresh air
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Stay on clean ground through rotation
This method supports both animal health and welfare
Feeding and Daily Care
Our meat birds receive a balanced feed formulated for growth, supplemented by what they forage naturally on.
Daily care includes:
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Fresh food and water
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Health and mobility checks
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Predator awareness and protection
Consistent care is essential to ethical meat bird raising.
Respecting the Process
We believe that choosing to eat meat comes with responsibility. Our animals are raised calmly and humanely, with attention given to their comfort and well being throughout their lives.
We approach this process with gratitude, intention, and respect.
Why Ethical Meat Raising Matters
Raising our own meat birds allows us to:
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Reduce reliance on industrial food systems
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Teach our family and community about sustainable food practices
It is not about perfection. It is about intention and responsibility.
Final Thoughts on Raising Meat Birds
Homesteading and raising meat birds is a personal choice. For our family, it is one way we choose to live more connected to our food, our land, and our values.
We share our journey to educate. Whether you raise your own food or support local farmers, knowing where your food comes from matters.