Label Rouge - Pastured CHICKEN - Notting Hill

Label Rouge is the Traditional Artisan label for France established in 1965 as a direct response to the industrialization of poultry farming. 

Since the birds are slower growing and bred to forage actively, they yield a particularly rich and flavorful product.  However, they require additional feed, longer growing times and increased pasture management (owing to their 100% open ranging and higher predator losses) and therefore cost more than their Cornish Cross cousins.

The standard has the following requirements:

Breed

• Hardy breeds, selected for the quality of their meat and their slow growth (golden or black feathers).
• Notting Hill uses Red Rangers, bred from birds imported from Brittany and Burgundy.

Farming methods

• As soon as their feathers are fully developed, the fowl are let outside and allowed to roam free on large grassy and/or shady areas comprising:
• Unlimited range for traditional chicken reared “in total freedom”.
• Notting Hill birds are in open coops with 100% Free access to pasture and woods… they are not caged in any way.

Feed

• 100% access to Pasture/Woods for forage.
• Their feed must contain at least 75% cereals grains during the fattening period.
• Notting Hill uses Certified Organic grains from Country Side (No Soy).

Age at Processing

• Label Rouge traditional chickens are not processed until they reach an age ranging between 81 and 110 days - this is at least twice as old as a standard chicken.
• Notting Hill will begin processing at 12 weeks / 84 days.