Open Sky Poultry

  If you’re raising backyard chickens, you’ve probably heard of a chicken tractor — a movable coop that lets your birds forage fresh grass daily while staying protected. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy setup or a big budget to build one. In fact, the best chicken tractors are the ones that keep things simple.  Function Over Frills At its core, a chicken tractor has three basic jobs: Keep your chickens in Keep predators out Hold up to the weather That’s it. Sure, you can add wheels, nesting boxes, or even solar-powered doors later on. But if you’re just getting started, all you need is a sturdy frame, secure wire mesh, and a simple tarp or roof for shelter.  Why a Tractor Works Unlike a fixed coop, a chicken tractor can be moved daily or weekly to fresh pasture. That means your flock gets access to bugs, grass, and soil — which boosts their health and improves the quality of their eggs or meat. It also keeps the ground from getting overused or messy. Plus,...

There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a meal you’ve raised with your own hands. When that meal includes a bird from your own backyard, the experience goes beyond taste — it becomes a reflection of care, connection, and health. Here’s why raising your own chickens for meat isn’t just about self-sufficiency — it’s about doing better for your body, your mind, and your food. 1.  Clean Meat, Fewer Unknowns Store-bought chicken often travels hundreds of miles, passing through processors, packaging plants, and cold storage. Along the way, it may be treated with preservatives or chlorine rinses to meet industry standards. When you raise your own birds, you know exactly what went into them — and what didn’t. No antibiotics, no questionable additives, and no mystery. Just real, clean protein. 2.   Better Fat Profile and Nutrient Density Chickens raised on pasture( see rotational grazing ), with access to sunlight and natural foraging, tend to have more balan...

  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...