If you’ve ever wondered what makes Herb Fed chicken taste so good, the answer starts long before it reaches your kitchen. At Herb Fed Poultry, everything we do is centred around flavour, welfare and a slower, more thoughtful way of farming. So here’s a little look behind the scenes at how we raise our chickens.
Our chickens are slow-grown, which means they’re given significantly more time to mature than standard supermarket birds. We believe you simply can’t rush good flavour. Slower growth allows the birds to develop naturally, resulting in better texture and depth of taste. It’s a bit like letting a good stew simmer properly – the extra time makes all the difference.
From an early age, our chickens live in spacious, well-ventilated houses with plenty of natural light. As they grow, they have access to the great outdoors, where they can roam, scratch, dust bathe and explore to their heart’s content. Chickens are naturally curious (and surprisingly opinionated) creatures – and giving them space to express those instincts is essential to their wellbeing.
Our chickens are fed a unique fresh herb-enriched diet, which includes a variety of natural herbs and salads. The idea originally came from a simple belief: that diet plays a huge role in flavour and overall health. Just as what we eat affects how we feel, the same is true for our birds.
The herbs support gut health and wellbeing, and over time we’ve found they also contribute to the distinctive, full flavour that our customers love. It’s not about gimmicks or overpowering tastes – you won’t bite into a roast and think you’re eating a bouquet of rosemary – but there’s a subtle richness and depth that sets Herb Fed chicken apart.
As Edward says:
“We’ve always believed that if you give animals time, space and the right diet, the quality will speak for itself. The herbs are part of our story, but really it’s about good farming – simple as that.”
Another thing you might not see from the outside is just how hands-on our team is. We check the birds daily, walking through the houses and fields to make sure everything is exactly as it should be. Good stockmanship isn’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely vital. Happy, healthy birds are the foundation of everything we do.
And here’s a fun fact: chickens love a dust bath. You’ll often spot them creating little divots in dry patches of ground, fluffing up clouds of dust as they wriggle about. It might look odd, but it’s their version of a spa day – keeping feathers in top condition and helping to deter pests. Another favourite pastime? Sunbathing. Yes, really. On warm days, you’ll see them stretched out in the sunshine, wings slightly extended, looking for all the world like they’re on holiday.
Seasonality also plays a role in farm life. In the summer, you’ll hear the gentle hum of insects in the grass while the birds roam outside. In cooler months, they’re snug indoors with carefully controlled ventilation and dry bedding. Farming means working with nature, not against it, and adapting to the rhythm of the year.
Ultimately, what happens behind the scenes is guided by one simple principle: care. Care in how the birds are raised, care in how they’re fed, and care in how they’re prepared. We know that when you choose Herb Fed, you’re often serving our chicken at the centre of your table – for a Sunday roast, a midweek supper or a special gathering.
So while you might only see the finished product, there’s a whole lot of thoughtful farming that goes into every bird. From slow growth and outdoor ranging to that distinctive herb-fed diet, it’s all part of our commitment to producing chicken with real flavour – raised the right way.
Check out our great recipes here!
