A harvest chicken, also known as a spring chicken, is a young chicken that is typically culled for meat between 4-6 months of age. The term “harvest chicken” refers to chickens that are ready to be “harvested” or processed for meat consumption at the prime of their growth period. Unlike commercial broiler chickens that are slaughtered at 6-8 weeks old, harvest chickens are allowed to grow and mature more slowly over several months, resulting in a more flavorful and textured meat.
When are chickens considered harvest chickens?
Chickens are considered harvest chickens or spring chickens when they are slaughtered between 16-24 weeks of age, usually around 4-6 months old. At this adolescent stage, the chickens have reached close to their full adult size but their bones, muscles, and connective tissues are still developing. This makes their meat more tender and delicate than that of a fast-growing commercial broiler chicken. The slaughter age of 16-24 weeks allows the chicken’s flavor to fully develop while preserving its tender texture.
4-5 months old
Chickens that are 16-20 weeks old or around 4-5 months of age are at the younger end of the harvest chicken range. Their meat is especially tender, juicy, and mild in flavor since the chickens are still youthful and growing. Many small family farms and sustainable poultry operations harvest their chickens right at this 4-5 month mark.
5-6 months old
Chickens that are around 24 weeks old or 5-6 months of age are at the older end of the harvest chicken spectrum. At this adolescent stage, their bones and muscles are more developed and their meat has a more pronounced chicken flavor while still maintaining a tender texture. Many large poultry producers harvest their chickens around the 5-6 month age for a good balance of taste and tenderness.
How do harvest chickens differ from broiler chickens?
Harvest chickens differ from conventional fast-growing broiler chickens in several key ways:
Slower growth rate
Harvest chickens grow to slaughter age over 4-6 months while broilers reach market weight in just 6-8 weeks. The slower growth allows harvest chicken meat to develop more complex flavors.
More active lifestyle
Harvest chickens have more room to move around and get exercise outdoors while broilers are confined indoors at high densities. The increased activity results in better muscle development.
More nutritious feed
Many harvest chickens are fed premium feeds with no hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products while broilers are fed high calorie rations to accelerate growth.
Different genetics
Harvest chickens come from heritage and slow-growing breeds while broilers come from breeding lines selected exclusively for fast growth and meat yield.
Older slaughter age
As described earlier, harvest chickens are slaughtered at 4-6 months compared to just 6-8 weeks for commercial broilers. The longer growth period results in more flavor and texture.
What breeds are used for harvest chickens?
Some common heritage breeds and strains used for harvest chickens include:
Plymouth Rock
This American breed matures early and produces a good carcass. It has flavorful dark meat.
Cornish
Originally used for crossing with other breeds, Cornish chickens have good productivity and medium-sized bodies.
Orpington
An English breed prized for its soft, juicy meat and docile temperament. It dresses out nicely.
Sussex
Another English breed with tasty, tender flesh and excellent foraging ability for free-range systems.
Jersey Giant
A very large American breed producing a heavy carcass with good cut-up yield and excellent meat quality.
Freedom Ranger
A French hybrid designed for growing into quality harvest chickens in organic and free-range operations.
What are the benefits of harvest chickens?
Some benefits that harvest chickens offer over conventionally raised broilers include:
More flavorsome meat
The slower growth allows natural flavors to fully develop in the meat over 4-6 months.
Better texture
More exercise and activity results in good muscle development and a firm, fine-textured meat.
Nutrient density
The premium feed and longer growth period mean harvest chicken meat often has higher nutrient levels.
Humane raising
Harvest chickens typically enjoy more space, access to outdoors, and lifestyle enrichment compared to broilers.
Sustainability
Heritage breeds adapt well to free-range systems with lower environmental impact than intensive broiler production.
How much do harvest chickens cost?
On average, harvest chickens cost 2-4 times more per pound than conventional broiler chickens purchased fresh or frozen at the grocery store. Here are some typical retail costs per pound:
| Chicken Type | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Commercial broiler chicken | $1.99 – $3.99 |
| Organic/free-range broiler chicken | $3.99 – $5.99 |
| Pasture-raised harvest chicken | $6.99 – $9.99 |
| Organic heritage breed harvest chicken | $9.99 – $12.99 |
The higher cost of harvest chickens reflects the longer growing time, lower stocking density, and premium feeds used in humane, sustainable production systems.
How to cook harvest chickens
Harvest chickens require slightly different cooking methods than conventional broilers due to their more developed muscles and connective tissues. Some tips include:
Lower oven temperatures
Cook at lower oven temps, such as 325°F rather than 350°F, to gently break down connective tissues.
Moist heat methods
Braise, stew, or poach harvest chickens to make the meat extra moist and tender.
Slow cookers/pressure cookers
Slow cookers or Instant Pots break down collagen with moist heat for fall-off-the-bone meat.
Marinades
Marinating overnight helps tenderize and infuse flavor.
Less overcooking
Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Conclusion
Harvest chickens provide a delicious, humane poultry option between fast-growing broilers and laying hens. When raised slowly to 4-6 months on quality feed, heritage chicken breeds develop rich flavor and texture. The higher cost reflects conscientious husbandry practices. With proper cooking, harvest chickens offer gourmet quality on your table.