noun
nationally protected chicken breed; free-range local traditional pedigree chicken; meat from such chicken
Refers to chickens that meet specific Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for jidori: native breeds or crossbreeds raised free-range for a certain period. Also used for the meat of these chickens, prized for flavor.
この店の焼き鳥は地鶏を使っているので、歯ごたえが違う。
The yakitori at this shop uses jidori chicken, so the texture is different.
地鶏は飼育方法が法律で定められている。
The raising methods for jidori are regulated by law.
noun
locally raised chicken
Only when written 地鳥
A broader, less technical term for chickens raised locally, not necessarily meeting the strict JAS standards for jidori. Often written 地鳥 to distinguish from the certified breed.
田舎では地鳥を放し飼いにしている家が多い。
In the countryside, many households keep locally raised chickens free-range.
Alternate spelling used specifically for locally raised chicken (sense 2). Less common than 地鶏.
Compound of 地 (ji, 'local' or 'native') and 鶏 (tori/dori, 'chicken'). The reading じどり is standard; じとり is a variant. The spelling 地鳥 uses the character for 'bird' instead of 'chicken', emphasizing the local aspect.