So I sent an email to Whiting Farms asking how they treated and harvested their chickens. Here is the email I sent and the one they responded with.
Love your products. Lately I have been wondering about your harvesting practices. How do you harvest your poultry and how do you dispose of the meat? I ask because I am wanting to buy products that utilize the entire animal and not parts of the animal with the rest going to waste. Any information you have would be fantastic.
Thank you and sincerely,
--
Roman Clarkson
They're response
Dear Roman – thanks for your email. You ask some very good questions. Because we must protect the feathers, we harvest with gas which is quick and more humane than most methods. As for the meat, remember most of our birds are 45+ weeks old when they are harvested, (what is sold for food are 6 to 8 weeks old) therefore they are too old and tough for food, plus most are roosters which would be tough as leather so we compost the remains. Dr Whiting is one of the most environmentally conscious people I have met. The soil in this part of CO is very poor for farming so he uses the compost for a small tree farm and for acreage that is cultivated. Also, the USDA will not allow the use of this meat for pet food. We do everything possible to be responsible. Feathers are actually a great resource for nitrogen which is needed in this area. I use manure and feathers for my home compose unit. This is probably more than you wanted to know but be assured that not only is Dr Whiting a genetic genius, he is a very responsible citizen. Thanks again for your interest in Whiting Farms.
Best wishes,
BJ Lester
Sales and Marketing Manager
Whiting Farms Inc.
bjlester@whitingfarms.com
Does this settle my mind? I think the only other question I would have is are the chickens caged for life or free range? I know I feel better about choosing Whiting Farm products. I know now that I need to be more conservative with my materials. Just because I buy a saddle doesn't mean I can just waste whatever I want.
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Fly Fishing
whiting farms, peta