Similar to broilers, we receive the pullets when are just one day old. For two and a half weeks they are on a deep wood shaving bedding in the brooders. We then open up the house and the pullets get to go out on pasture. The pullets then circle around the house on different paddocks. Before the pullets start laying we move them to their Eggmobile. The Eggmobiles are moved every two weeks to the next paddock in the pasture. Our free-ranging hens are given continuous access to fresh pasture paddocks. High quality grains are available free choice. The model has been developed over the last twenty years and allows the birds to receive up to 20% of their feed intake from pasture. This gives them extra vitamins and minerals in a form their body is able to use.
Our hens lay brown eggs that have bright orange yolks filled with nutrients. To keep nutrient levels high, we collect eggs then wash, candle and carton the eggs on the day they are laid. Some of you have met Dean and Betty, our neighbors who take care of the eggs on weekdays. Our daughter, Amanda does them on weekends. Eggs take several hours a day; I don’t know what we would do without these wonderful, hardworking people!
Barbra Gorski also tested laying hens in cages versus raised on pasture. Her findings are not surprising less fat, less cholesterol, more vitamin A, and more omega-3 fatty acids. The yolks are a wonderful orange color indicating the vitamin content. Eggs are available year round and will last for several months in the refrigerator.
Many customers enjoy coming out to gather eggs with us. It is like an Easter Egg Hunt without candy—even the adults enjoy it.
