We understand that the original animal-rights definition of “cruelty-free” means no-kill… but based on our own farming experience, we can’t support such a broad definition. We think that sometimes nature doesn’t intervene on time… and to just stand by… is cruel.
There was no cruelty on our farm, but our version of cruelty-free doesn’t always mean no-kill. Some of our poultry, particularly the chickens, became our dinner once they began to suffer in their old age. Feathers that were molted are listed accordingly – most of our feathers are not from the seasonal molt.
Our flock lived in an enormous netted aviary with natural trees, ground cover, plentiful roosts, shade, rocks, cubbyholes and heated winter shelters. They had fresh air, sunshine, fresh food, clean water, and the opportunity to engage in every aspect of natural behavior including flight, but excluding incubating their own eggs (since my business was collecting and blowing their eggs for sale).
Many of the birds lived out their natural lifespan in our care, or were given to like-minded farmers when we moved away from New Mexico. When the time came to butcher, we used a method that humane, respectful, and quick.
Some of the birds, like the geese, ducks and turkey, did molt beautifully clean, intact feathers seasonally – so wherever possible, we harvested the molt.
To learn more about how this feather business came to be, check out the book behind the business, “Just A Couple of Chickens” by Corinne Tippett.