Sunshine is Here

People had been asking why did we stop the Sunshine Chicken.

It tickles us to think that the name Sunshine Chicken became synonymous to free range colored chickens.  Reality is Sunshine Chicken is our branding, and whatever we produce in our farm is Sunshine Chicken.  When we chose that name, we thought about natural way of raising chickens, so our dressed chickens will always be named Sunshine.  

In our advocacy on pushing natural farming in the Philippines, we are in search of ways of giving cheaper and accessible food for all.  A problem with importation we had before due to bird flu in France, led us to try pasturing the white chickens that always been connoted with commercial raising with chemicals.

We got very good results...plus the great find that by pasturing white chickens that are cheap and easy to find, we are giving cheaper source for all interested to farm them.  Clean, cheap and accessible. The big bonus is that the white chickens have Grand Parent Stocks (GPS) in the Philippines.  The GPS produce the Parent Stocks (PS) who in turn produce the day old chicks we use as broilers.  That secures the supply in the food chain :)  Now, that means, your source of pastured chicks are NOT dependent on one or two suppliers that raise the prices.

How we farmers decide to raise them is what is important.  The health benefits and taste has nothing to do with the color of the feathers of the birds.  Now, our consumers are very aware of the benefits of naturally raised chickens. 

To recap:

1) We are not selling the dayold chicks, as it is cheaper and easy to get in your area.  The bigger poultry supply stores sell retail.  If you need volume, contact the distributor in the area, you may find out from the poultry division of the companies who the persons to contact in your area.

2) We have not stopped teaching people HOW TO pasture chickens.  This is our advocacy.  In a larger picture, we are teaching natural farming, with our expertise in pasturing chickens :)

3) Sunshine Chicken is not gone.  This is our brand and thank you that we are associated and synonymous to free range chicken.  

4) We continue to give you a good alternative for clean food, with a very fair price.  You are cutting out the middlemen by dealing with your farmers directly.

We are planning bigger things for our journey in natural farming.  One of which is educating you to grow your own food.

Please please please...let us all support our natural farmers.  Grow your own food, or buy from farmers in your area practicing safe natural farming.  You have to know to trust your suppliers :)

Intro To White Pastured Chickens: Video

Why did we go from colored to white?  Here we are introducing you to white pastured chickens.

In partnership with Mag-Agri Tayo, we will do a series of instructional videos to guide you in pasturing chickens and natural farming.

Sunshine Chicken is our branding.  Any chicken we produce from our farm is called Sunshine Chicken.  It connotes clean and healthy chicken meat on your tables :)

1/11/11

First harvest of the year, the first batch that fed on Azolla, first taste test....and I wasn't around!

Some things had to be done in Manila and so it was Doc Rey who went for a quick visit to the farm.  It just so happened that the harvest was scheduled today, for the Oct7 batch.

Verdict:  Very tasty and lean.  He had a Tinola done.  Soup was really good, even if there was hardly any fat rendered.  Tasted the way chickens should.

Sand Bathing

We were busy documenting the new Sunshine Chicken, so we can spread the idea that we can all do it at a much cheaper way.

They displayed all the characteristics we though was absent in the whites. Of course it was absent because the commercial poultry technology doesn't allow them to live naturally.

I was so jumpy seeing them sand bathing!  We are editing the videos...it was captured well.  It was so vivid because they were white, you can see the clouds of dust fall on their bodies...black on white :)

Go With The Flow

Just came back from Lucena to attend the 7th National Organic Agricultural Congress (NOAC).  Very successful and it was a great opportunity for the meeting of minds of organic and natural farmers. 

Many have opened their minds to pasturing white chickens.  There are problems with the over supply of white chicks now in the Philippines...so let's use that to our advantage!  Let's pasture and free range the whites.  It is cheaper and easy to find.  Big help to us smaller farmers.

Key words were echoed and served as discernment :)  

Brings us to going with the flow.  Recent Typhoon Juan had almost all our trees in the farm down.  It will take a lot of energy and time to prop them up again, with the risk of stressing their roots. We decided to let them be and let them lie as they are now.  Easier to to harvest and we won't be jumpy whenever a storm warning is up again.

Listen  and observe, to guide you to do what is right.

Juan Batch

Remember the photos posted earlier, on the batch that was in the brooder during Typhoon Juan? The day after Juan, they were let to the open. A week after at 21days, they were transferred to the range housing.

Meet them now, at 28days. Most of them are out in the range and pasturing themselves:)

Might be your first time to see white chickens in clean, comfortable and airy cages?

Creatures Of Habit

After we opened the cage for the 14days to start ranging, we passed by this 49days range area.  

This batch is the one that holds my spot for my favorite Aratiles tree.  "My Spot" had fallen too from the ravage of Juan, together with almost 99% of our fruit trees.  As they went out to hunt for food today after the storm had left, in groups, they find their regular joints.

This group obviously loves Aratiles too.  They were just attracted and concentrated on the fruits they have enjoyed on the ground daily.  They must have not noticed that the source of those fruits are no longer standing there.  Nor that the Mango tree that used to give them shade while they scout for their fruits, are now at their eye level.

That was the side story....

I was trying to point out that they are willing and able to to take care of themselves!

Here Comes The Sun

 Touted as a super typhoon....we had days to prepare as information dissemination had been non-stop and with the availability of the internet, there is no reason to feign ignorance of the obvious comings.  Some newspaper was so safe and printing news that they cited several weather observation stations' predictions of Megi's route. 

It was said to be hitting the Northern tip of Cagayan.  I must have drank coffee that night and had been clicking "refresh" on my browser so often.  I know that just before I slept, I saw the path switch downward....or maybe dreaming?

Not to be too alarmed about our Sunshines....our buildings are strong, so I wasn't worried about housing going down.  This is the design we are now using for the ranges.  It withstood the strong winds :)  The Sunshines they housed were not a bit affected.

Electricity wasn't an issue too...there are alternative sources of heat like your charcoal etc.

We were brooding a batch and will be close to 2weeks when the storm passes us.  That was what Doc Rey secured.  How he secured the brooding calls for another post :)...so I won't show you yet the photos of brooder.  The photo below will be a good preview.

We hurried to the farm the day after....fallen trees all around.  The brooding area is surrounded by Banana trees....all down to the ground. That looks like a lot of FPJ in the next weeks.

The 14day old Sunshines still got out to their range on the appointed 14day outing!  They were excited to to go out, while we were appraising the damages to the farm.  The Sunshines took their walk with us among the fallen trees.

They ran to the door.  Took a peek and sighed that they saw their elder sisters on other pens, ranging.  "Everyone was OK"!

The day after Typhoon Megi (Juan to us in the Philippines):

The rage of Juan the previous day, was now forgotten....as they took their first steps and bites of grass.

The fallen trees became instant playground!  They loved to climb the branches and can't get enough of burying themselves in the trees on the ground.

Brooding is utmost.  The housing is very important.  If the chicks are secure in good brooding cage, have the right space and are warm, enough food...then they will be OK even during a storm.

Contented Chickens

Have you ever seen your chickens this way?  You have always pictured your chickens in cramped cages and dirty looking with sad faces :(

Here now:

Morning sun...cool shade....all the food you want, buffet style....fruits galore....lounging chair (yes, it is an instinct for all chickens to perch, so pity the caged ones)....fish pond around...

We are almost describing ourselves on the beach!

Its not about colored or white. It is all about being caged or pastured :)....End result: Healthy and Tasty!

Happy To Meat Me

Have you heard the story of the Poor Chickens?  Doc Rey always preempts his seminar proper with that anecdote, to give a background, stress a point and to make you understand why pastured chickens are happy.  

For pastured chickens, there is no cannibalism, no dirty nor tight cages.  Chickens enjoy the sun, sand bathing and space. They look very proud.

Happy chickens are more tasty and easily digestible :)  Maybe not because they were happy, but because they are healthy for us!

Watch out for further posts on how we can keep costs down and be able to give you safer chickens.

White Christmas

At four (4) weeks now, they will be seeing you in December :)

The recently held Poultry Show was very motivating.  People embraced the idea of "yes, the whites can be pastured".  Low cost, easy to find, safe chicken for all!

For us at Solraya, it isn't just an "idea" anymore.  It had been ran and tested several batches.  Harvested and taste tested at different intervals.  For our pastured chickens, we still go with a slow developing chicken.  Let it age and naturally farmed....it will give you great tasting and healthy chickens :)

We will be happy to explain them to you during AGRILINK 2010.

Debutantes Stepping Out

We had several batches on trial runs for the white broilers for free ranging already, done, observed, harvested and eaten :) Starting with 100, 200 and 300 at a time. I was never around to see them step out for the first time as work took me most of time away from the farm.

We had all been blinded about the whites not being able to survive on the open range, but in our pursuit to give the farmers cheaper and safer food alternatives, there must be a way to have cheaper and more accessible free ranging chicks :) Thus the study on the whites. These chicks are readily available in most areas and pricing range dips to a level that will be very attractive to farmers.

Doc Rey here observing them while inside the brooder. He was ready to let them out now at 18days, just instructing for a manual count and weighing in before set out to range. 14days is what he practices now for brooding time. That will be a separate topic on the observations on brooding the whites for free range.

Average weights taken and head count done....the side doors were opened. See how happy they are? Doc Rey and I were discussing that you never see the industrial white chickens this way in their cramped coops. We thought that all they knew was eat, sleep and fight. Well I guess it is really on the environment. See how happy chickens are chickens naturally? Irregardless of their color :) Same characteristics when out on open areas.

Rats are the biggest problems, so Doc Rey instructs that a side of the metal walling of the brooder be lifted. That way, it will be easier for them to be herded back to safety after they go home at night. This is done as precaution because they are let out open at 14days.

Early evenings, once grouped inside, the metal sheet walling may be slid back to position so they will be safe from the Rats.

AANI Plus

Good news!

During Agrilink 2010 in October, AANI will set up an outdoor, all day consultation tables for almost all aspects of agriculture (vermiculture, free range chicken, organic farming, aquaculture etc). Experts and agri entrepreneurs are the best sources of information. This move will make it flexible for those whose schedules are tight and can't make the scheduled seminars. Aside from the consultation tables, AANI will also schedule seminars in the frequently requested topics :)

We will post schedules here.

Our way of saying thank you for your support.

Urban Food

Another topic on the nipple drinker....hahahhaha.....but then it is really practical and thinking out of the box may not be enough. So many usage and ways to use it.

We are spending a lot more time in our urban setting and wanted to have some free ranging Sunshines in our midst. Doc Rey started with seven chicks in May and targeted to harvest it in August. Having fun brooding and planning for urban set up. This is when you get assured that when given common sense care....they survive even when left for several days during brooding. Don't ape that. Only a vet's gut feel and experience can pulloff brooding in absentia!

Before we knew it, they were big already and ready to range :) We get so excited as we get to see them only on weekends in Manila.

We thought that if the farm used nipple drinkers...then why not in the city? Very logical when no caretaker. In smaller setting, you need a smaller water receptacle too. Doc Rey was figuring out how to insert the PVC pipe at the back. I said why not remove the faucet and insert thru that hole.....two heads are better than one!

The water container was set on a hollowblock. It was the right height for now. As they grow, you adjust the height of the pedestal.

Yes, Doc Rey also has an auto feeder for them now. My fruits and vegetables are shared with the Seven Sunshines!

My neighbor saw it and thought about raising some and encouraging the community. I really hope so....Yes, people can take care of their own for food. Start with how many chickens you can consume in a month.

PINES

Am not going to Baguio...but it would be a nice idea in this heat :)

Am talking about joining the 1st Philippine International Eco Show (PINES), organized by CITEM and DTI.

August 26-28, SMX Convention Center (beside Mall of Asia). All three days will have good conference programs.

Read about Philippine International Eco Show (PINES), Eco-Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow.

Join us there, if you are interested in ecology and green friendly goods, produce and services :) Find us around the activity area, booth B13.

AANI, May 30 - Updated

WHAT: Raising Sunshine Chicken from Day1 to Harvest
WHERE: AANI Quezon Memorial Circle,
enter thru gate across PHILCOA
WHEN: May 30, 4pm
WHO: Doc Rey
FEE: Am not sure if free or they are charging for maintenance,
please contact AANI at (02) 497-2755

Sam Gye Tang

One of my daily reads is pinoy cook, and last week's topic got me running to a Korean grocery.

I was going to make Sam Gye Tang after I found this recipe.

Using my reliable huge crockpot, I started with this.

Timed it to have it ready for a very early breakfast before we fly to the secluded and beautiful Amanpulo in Palawan!

6hrs into slow cooking

8hrs in the crockpot at low....perfect! My favorite? Was the sticky sweet rice inside the chicken as you slice it.

Highly recommended! Use free range chicken in the Philippines of course :) Get Sunshine!

Wake Up Early

Normally up by about 5:30 to go to the farm, if we are in Isabela. In Manila, 6am is our lazy day. When there are farm visits or out of town seminars, we get roused by the alarm at about 5am.

We get a call today for guesting at Umagang Kay Ganda, a morning show over ABS-CBN. Call time is at 4am...that means up at 3am, May 5.

I can't complain. Thank you for these opportunities :)

May1's Radyo Negosyo

We are guesting tomorrow at Radyo Negosyo. Hosted by Carl Balita, this is over DZMM-Teleradyo, at 7pm.

See you on air :)

Use What You Have

Dinner for three last Sunday and Ididn't have anything stocked in my pantry nor freezer.

What did I have?

1) Dressed Sunshines - We haven't had our chicken for the longest time!

2) Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt and Pepper are staples in a kitchen.

3) Pack of Rosemary. I keep herbs handy. If not for culinary, they are great for scents :)

4) Gallons of Vanilla Ice Cream. Leftover from a dinner we hosted some three weeks ago.

5) Almonds, hazelnuts and Pistachios in the freezer. Again, leftover from dinner party.

6) Newly bought Strawberries. I thought I will use it with my homemade Caramel sauce.

7) A bag of freshly picked lettuce. My neighbor just came from her farm and brought us organically grown lettuce.

8) Store bought Rasberry Walnut salad dressing.

That was all I needed.

Night before, took out a 1.5kg of chicken from the freezer...I have to make a mental note now to deduct that from my inventory! Let it thaw inside the ref. Next morning, did a salt and pepper rub all over. Got two garlic heads and halved them. Stuck them inside the chicken's cavity and let it sit inside the ref. Just before I slow baked the chicken, I stuck a big branch of fresh Rosemary inside the cavity. Dripped some Olive Oil around and inside. Set the turbo at 300 and cooked the chicken for 1.5 hrs. The Rosemary really made my kitchen smell sooooo goood! This was wiped out to the bones by three people.

While that was baking. I sliced my package of Strawberries into four, lengthwise. Thought of using all for salad.

Dinnertable set. Chicken done. I take out from the chiller the lettuce. Tore it up, put in a bowl and tossed it with the salad dressing. Topped the salad with Strawberries and I decided on just Pistachio nuts. I had to do this salad a second time as the first batch went fast.

As I had to slice a new batch of Strawberries, I decided to have some for dessert too. Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberries and Pistachio nuts again in generous amounts. No Cherries for this Sunday's Sundae....but a good amount of drizzle of Bailey's. yummmmmmmmmm We had seconds, and bigger portions for second serving.

Oh yes, add Bailey's to what we have. We got big boys and I try to keep the bar stocked for their friends. Better to drink at home rather than go out and drive intoxicated.

I was really tempted to take photos. But felt embarrased as it was supposed to be a simple dinner for three. We were going to view the videos taken of the graduation three weeks ago, and taking photos of our dinner spread was sort of OA :) But, after the very good and filling dinner...and while writing about it now...I should have had photos to feed your eyes.

Point is:

Its not what you have...but HOW you use it. Same with housing materials for your brooders and ranging areas. It is not how new or expensive the materials need be. Using properly and achieving the goals are important. So go ahead, look around and use and make do with what you have :)