Who: Farmers and partners Heidy Bontjer and Wim Kahmann, Heidy’s Pastured Poultry
Where: Don Valley, Yarra Ranges Shire, Wurundjeri Country
Heidy, this isn’t a large-scale operation?
Quite the opposite. We grow a maximum of 180 birds per batch and only to order. To ensure availability, customers need to contact us nine to 12 weeks in advance – it takes that long to grow a chicken.
That is quite a long time.
Yes, commercial chickens, raised in sheds, are slaughtered after 42 days. We raise our birds for twice that duration.
How do you raise them?
We use a meat breed, Cornish Cross. Initially, we shelter them for the first two to three weeks to allow feather growth. They then graze on pasture, feeding on a vegetable-based mix and foraging for grass and insects. We protect them from predators with an electric fence. Our growing season is from November to May, avoiding the colder months.
How do they eat?
Our birds differ significantly from commercial ones. They walk, scratch, and flap their wings, developing robust muscles. This results in chicken with real texture and flavour.
Who are your customers?
We foster a special relationship with our customers. For instance, we grow smaller chickens for an elderly lady living alone and larger ones for families of six. We work exclusively with chefs and restaurants that share our values, such as the team at Greasy Zoes in Hurstbridge, who are committed to sourcing seasonal and local produce. We also supply some local Yarra Valley wineries.
How do we place an order?
Please email us at heidyspasturedpoultry@gmail.com.