Four years ago when the Artisanal poultry program began, Gary and his family got on board. They now produce 1200 birds a year, processing 100 each week during the warm weather to ensure a steady supply of fresh meat at their farm located in Douro Dummer.
The Fenton family raises two breeds of birds, but focus on the White Rock variety. These birds are bred specifically for meat, producing larger animals with large breasts delivering a high proportion of white meat. White Rock chickens grow to a finished size of approximately 5 pounds in 50 days. It may be a short life, but the Fentons ensure it is a good one.
After spending their first few weeks brooding indoors, at three weeks the young birds are relocated to chicken huts which are moved daily to ensure the birds have access to fresh grass. Although they are free-range, the birds are well-protected from predators. Their individual hut fences are surrounded by a perimeter fence. Then there are the sheep dogs. The flocks are supervised by two Maremma sheepdogs. These are members of a breed of livestock guardian dogs originating in Italy that thrive on protecting livestock on a large property and were acquired from a local sheep farm where they had performed admirably but were nearing retirement.
The family also raises Heritage breed Chantecler birds, which are considered to be Canada’s first ever chicken breed. This breed is a hardy dual-use bird providing both meat and eggs and can handle Canadian winters.
In Millbrook, this vendor brings frozen product, either whole birds or parts sold separately, including breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks to the monthly market. The Fentons also sell at the Lakefield and downtown Peterborough Farmer’s market, where they have a rotisserie producing hot birds for $25 each, and occasionally some barbeque wings and drumsticks. If you ask, Gary will be happy to give you some tips about how to achieve that juicy, golden finish with your own backyard barbeque. To learn more about this local poultry producer, visit their website at www.gfentonfarms.com. KG
