Certified Humane
Learn what Certified Humane is and how it's beneficial for you
To be Certified Humane, farms must follow a strict set of guidelines. These standards include:
1. Free access to wholesome, nutritious food & water
2. Safe and clean shelter with room to roam
3. Access to outdoor spaces to forage, with protection from sunlight and predators
4. Air quality, light levels, and temperatures that ensure a healthy environment
5. Enrichments that encourage natural behaviors, like perching and roosting
Tell me more about the humane aspects of feed and water.
Our feed contains no animal by-products. Clean water must be available at a height appropriate for the birds’ age. And when in the house, we ensure that chickens are within 13 feet of a food and water source at any given time.
How do humane standards affect lighting and temperature?
The goal of humane standards is to replicate natural conditions for birds, and lighting and temperatures are no different. We guarantee that birds have at least 8 hours of light per day and at least 6 hours of darkness at night. Both temperatures and humidity levels are regulated to keep the chickens comfortable and eliminate any undue stress.
How does Certified Humane apply to housing?
All houses are fixed structures with electricity and running water. All of our houses are power ventilated with cooling capabilities, natural light, and enrichments
How much indoor space is allotted per bird for your indoor housing?
No more than 6 pounds of chicken per square foot of space. However, many of our farmers request less density.
How much outdoor space is allotted per bird for your outdoor space?
Our birds must have the same amount of space outside as they do inside. That said, 90% of our farmers exceed this minimum.
How is free range related to humane living?
To us, free range means that when old enough, our birds can explore the great outdoors as they are naturally meant to do. They have ample space to feed and socialize, and our farmers take care to provide multiple enrichments to keep them stimulated and safe.
When can birds access outdoor areas?
Starting at 28 days old.
How do you keep the birds safe while they are outside?
Regulations state 25% minimum cover of the outdoor space area. Our growers use various means of providing shade and protection, including trees, shrubs, and artificial shade structures. To keep predators away, we ensure that outdoor access doors are closed at night and that all areas are neat and free of vermin that might attract larger animals.
Do you ever keep chickens indoors?
Only if they are younger than 28 days or weather conditions pose a threat to the their health and safety.
Approximately how much of your outdoor space is vegetated when you have active flocks accessing that outdoor space?
The requirement is that at least 25% of outdoor space be vegetated, but 100% of our farmers exceed this.
How is the outdoor land maintained?
This varies by location, but regular maintenance including mowing is performed. All outdoor areas have 2-3 weeks in between flocks to rest.
Are the farms inspected to confirm compliance? By whom?
We conduct multiple farm visits and compliance checks every year. These visits can be led by either members of the Farmer Focus Compliance team or our 3rd party certifiers.
Who are your 3rd party certifiers?
We are certified humane by both Humane Farm Animal Care and Global Animal Partnership.