Just finished the second chicken tractor of four today and got to give the young laying hens some more room and some fresh grass! They were very happy to eat it up. This summer we will be running about 55 laying hens in these chicken tractors..or portable chicken coops. The idea is that we move them every day to a new spot with fresh grass so they are on new ground everyday. Not only does this diversify their diet and give them more chances to scratch for grubs and other insects, but they also get to eat fresh grass every day. A chicken that is allowed to feed on these sort of natural foods gains a higher tolerance to diseases and produces a much healthier egg. Studies have shown that pastured laying hens will produce an egg that is higher in Omega 3 and have a much darker and richer yoke. This is the unique seal of quality in a fresh egg that was produced by pastured hens, the dark rich yoke will hold better together than ANY egg you can buy at the supermarket, organic or not. Not only are the eggs we will be bringing to market be produced from hens on certified organic pastures but they will always be fresh. Most likely gathered that morning or within a few days before, unlike the supermarket eggs which may be organic and claim free range but have been in refrigeration for a few weeks or more already by the time they are available to the customer.

Check out our new side page with some information about pastured laying hens…