Ecstatic Chickens!

From as early in the spring as we dare to as late in the fall as weather permits, the hens spend their days traversing pastures on the farm in their mobile residences. Winter weather necessitates bringing them in to the more protected areas of the barnlot, and there they stay until spring comes again. Every accessible green thing has been repeatedly plucked into submission, and all bugs and worms within the fence have surely been annihilated. So while the hens still have the ability to scratch and peck in the dirt looking for treasures come February, it's just not the same as when they have fresh pasture to canvass. Once they are moved out to a new location on the farm, chicken ecstasy is on full display!

This video capturing some of that ecstasy was recorded about 3 years ago, and while we have other chickens now, the effect is still very much the same when you open the door after a move to new pasture. You do NOT want to be in the doorway when they are ready to come out, haha!

This photo was from one of the first moves a couple weeks ago, and oh, how happy they were to come out that door and find new green grass to nibble!

You may recall that we purchased another batch of ready-to-lay pullets in February. We kept the two groups separate initially for multiple reasons. Disease protection from new animals brought in and stress reduction (introducing new birds to each other results in pecking order disturbances) are the biggest reasons. New younger chickens would likely be subject to bullying by some of the older ones, and keeping them separate gives them a chance to settle in and learn about their new environment without that added stress. The younger birds were just barely starting to lay, maybe an egg or two a day when this photo was taken.

Finally the time came to put the two groups inside the same fence (they still mostly sleep in their respective eggmobiles, although two Easter Eggers have crossed over and joined the Hyline Browns ;) . The Browns must be nicer to them than the Barred Rocks!). This is the first time we've had Hyline Browns, and I must say I'm pretty impressed. They're pretty calm and docile like a Golden Comet. But what has astounded me the most is their eggs...they start laying eggs that are nearly full sized! Maybe medium-sized for a few days, but I've hardly had any that classify as "small". Did I mention I am impressed??

I thought we had parked the buildings in a spot that would be fairly favorable for the weather forecast, but the copious amounts of rain last week resulted in a mud bath in the high traffic areas until things firmed up enough to move them again this week. This time of year can be really challenging when the weather is cool and rainy...hard to find enough high ground to keep everyone dry AND happy in the pasture! But despite a little mud, these girls are finally kicking it into high gear with egg production! And I don't know about you, but I sure love seeing this myriad of colors in the egg cartons now.

That said, it's what's on the inside that counts the most. And hens that are free to really be a chicken--able to forage for greens, seeds, and bugs--have healthier eggs. You'll notice the yolk color getting darker now, which is because they're producing more vitamin A as a result of their fresh dietary options. Not only are they healthier, but they just plain taste better too. Try some yourself and see if you agree!