Shine On Eggs

Our family has 100 six month old White Plymouth Rock chickens. White Rocks are a dual purpose American heritage breed dating back to the mid 1800s. They are very hardy, docile and have a tendency to be broody. They have never been given antibiotics, immunizations or hormones. From the day they hatched they have been fed whole-grain, Northwest grown, non-GMO certified feed. They spent their early days completely free-range foraging around the farm, mainly in the raspberries and around the green waste compost pile, while the portable coop was being built. Every morning the coop is opened for them to graze (or take shelter), and every night it is closed up to keep them warm and safe. Right now they follow the cows around, the chickens will help sanitize the pastures by eating insect larvae from the patties, which is what ground birds do naturally. This provides them with good food and helps break down the cow manure to fertilize the pastures. This model is inspired by Joel Salatin and Polyface Farm. They are moved to fresh grass, weeds, worms, and bugs every day or two with the help of our 164' portable electric fence that protects them from predators. Pastured eggs are higher in beta carotene, vitamins A and E and omegas. They are also lower in cholesterol and saturated fat. Our chickens are happy and healthy and make healthy delicious eggs. They have firm dark orange yolks and are very easy to cook with. We are starting to work with a local co-op, but as the local farmer's markets haven't opened yet we have lots of tasty eggs available right now.