OUR HENS
Our hens have it good
NON-GMO FED, HOUSED IN A TEMPERATURE REGULATED BARN, AND 13 ACRES OF PASTURE TO ROAM.
The Egg Basket Farm is home to 10,000 hens organized into two 5,000 bird flocks. They live in a cage-free barn that is designed to facilitate their comfort and wellbeing. The barn is equipped with tunnel ventilation, cool cells, minimum ventilation fans and heaters to keep the birds comfortable and the air quality good throughout the changing seasons.
The barn is also electronically controlled and monitored. The ventilation, lights, temperature, and outside access doors can be accessed, monitored, and adjusted by us via App. This allows us to keep tabs on our flocks and receive alerts if a situation develops. We also have a standby generator on site that automatically comes online in the event of power outage ensuring the wellbeing of our flock.
Inside the barn the hens are fed, watered, and provided nests for laying their eggs. In the morning after initial feeding ( Non GMO Sourced) and when egg laying is well on its way we open the doors to give the girls access to the great outdoors. Each 5,000-bird flock has approx. 13 acres of pasture that is divided into three separate sections. Generally, we will give each flock access to one section at a time while the other two sections are in rest period. We do this to promote vegetation and prevent overgrazing (or scratching) in the pastures. The birds are provided with outdoor shade and water, can pick bugs, peck grass, scratch in the dirt, dust bathe, and can come and go from the barn throughout the day at will. In short, it’s a pretty good life and we want to keep it that way!
Our two Great Pyrenees farm dogs help watch over the hens in the pastures and keep hawks and other predators at bay.
At night as the sun sets the hens will go to roost in the barn and we close the doors to keep them safe from predators.
FRESH. LOCAL. PASTURED.
WHY IS IT
IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR HENS HAPPY FOR QUALITY EGGS?
STRESS REDUCTION
Chickens that are stressed or uncomfortable are more likely to experience physiological changes that can negatively impact egg production. A relaxed and comfortable environment helps reduce stress, promoting overall health.
NUTRITION
Happy and content chickens are more likely to consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Proper nutrition is essential for the development of strong eggshells, vibrant yolks, and overall egg quality.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Comfortable chickens are less susceptible to diseases and infections. A healthy flock is more likely to produce eggs with a lower risk of contamination, ensuring a safer and higher-quality product for consumers.
BEHAVIORAL EXPRESSIONS
Chickens have natural behaviors, such as scratching, dust bathing, and perching. When provided with an environment that allows them to express these behaviors, they are likely to be healthier and more content. This, in turn, can positively affect the quality of their eggs.
EGGSHELL QUALITY
Stress and discomfort can affect the composition and strength of eggshells. Chickens that are comfortable and happy are more likely to produce eggs with consistent shell quality, reducing the likelihood of breakage and contamination.
EGG YOLK COLOR
The diet and overall health of chickens can influence the color of the egg yolks. Chickens that have access to a varied and nutritious diet, along with adequate exposure to sunlight, are more likely to produce eggs with rich and vibrant yolk colors.
EGG SIZE & PRODUCTION
Comfortable and happy chickens are more likely to exhibit normal reproductive behaviors. This can contribute to consistent egg production and size, meeting the expectations of both producers and consumers.
HORMONAL BALANCE
Stress can disrupt hormonal balance in chickens, affecting their reproductive systems. A balanced and stress-free environment promotes healthy hormonal regulation, which is essential for consistent egg production.
We keep our hens happy!
BECAUSE THE HAPPIER THE HEN, THE BETTER THE EGG!
Total birds on our farm.
Hens per flock.
