Frequently Asked Questions
What Would You Like to Know?
When do I stop feeding before an appointment?
For optimal results, it's advisable to discontinue feeding 24 hours before your appointment. However, please continue to provide water until the appointment time.
Upon arrival for my appointment, what steps should I take?
Please proceed to the processing office for check-in, where you'll be provided with paperwork to fill out. Our staff will then assist you in locating the designated drop-off area for your birds.
How will you notify me my order is ready?
Once your order is ready for pickup, you'll receive a phone call notifying you. For customers living at a distance, we can also give you a heads-up call when we're nearing completion of your order. This way, when you arrive, your items will be close to being finished.
When will I be able to pickup my order?
You have the option to collect your birds/rabbits the following day. Please note that there is a fee applicable if you wish to extend the holding period beyond 24 hours.
Do I need a rental crate?
If you possess a reliable mode of transportation, a rental crate isn't necessary, but it's essential to ensure your birds are appropriately contained. Please note that we don't provide rental crates for turkeys. An affordable alternative is wire dog cages, which are effective and easy to maintain. Loose chickens in trailers pose safety risks, so we no longer accept this practice. Our rental crates are priced per crate, with each accommodating up to 10 birds. If you arrive with loose chickens, you'll be required to rent chicken crates and load your chickens before your appointment.
Do you have ice for the drive home?
We do provide access to an ice machine on-site. You can purchase bags of ice, or loose ice is available at no cost.
Do I need to have a farm or business to have a custom label?
Certainly not! Anyone can create custom labels for their birds. It's a charming and enjoyable choice whether you're looking to sell at farmers' markets or simply gift birds to your family with your name attached.
Can I sell my chickens at farmers markets?
Absolutely! Our facility is certified by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). Please note that while we maintain this certification, we are only licensed to sell our products within the state of Oregon.
Do you offer specialized services such as halal chicken?
We provide chicken that adheres to the requirements for halal certification. Our chickens are raised in spacious environments where they have access to clean water, nourishing food, and fresh air. We prioritize the well-being of our animals, ensuring they reside in clean living quarters and are fed nutritious, hygienic meals. Sick animals are not processed for consumption. Our chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics, additives, anti-infection medicines, or synthetic substances. If you wish to have your chickens blessed, you'll need to arrange for someone to perform the blessing. For inquiries, please email us at helvetiapoultry@gmail.com.
What happens to all the waste from processing?
All the waste from our birds, including guts, feet, heads, feathers, and more, is directed to our compost piles. Here, they undergo decomposition over a period of several years, resulting in mature compost that we utilize in our garden beds and fields. Given that poultry processing involves a significant amount of water, we collect all the water used in our processing operations in large gallon tanks. This collected water is then repurposed to fertilize our fields throughout the processing season.