Since the beginning of the farm, chickens have played an important role. What started as a soil improvement program (chickens do a great job fertilizing) developed into an egg business and most recently into a breeding program that will provide chicks to the region.
Over the years I have raised many different breeds of chickens, mostly for eggs, some for meat. The first few years I had at least 12 different kinds of laying hens to see what fit best on the farm. I like hens that are good foragers of some of their own feed (or course supplemented with organic grain), calm, good egg producers and of heavier body type in order to provide yet another gift at the end of their productive time as a laying hen: a stewing hen. Typically I have found the non hybrid, standard bred poultry to work best in my system.
In thinking about long term sustainability for my farm I chose the Black Australorp as my breed due to their calm nature, good egg production, excellent foraging. The older hens will make great stewing hens due to their large size. The young roosters also provide meat. I invested in an incubator and hatcher and high quality breeding stock -in the spring of 2015 my first Australorp chicks were sent from Pat Whitaker of Forest Farm in North Carolina. Pat is well known for her productive and beautiful Australorps as well as her generous sharing of expertise.
Recently I added another line of Australorps that carry different colors, so in addition to Black I have Blue Australorps and occasionally Splash.
UPDATE FOR 2025 SEASON: I will be selling hatching eggs and chicks in small numbers. As of early April, my breeding groups are now going. Please call for timing and availability: 360-302-0522.
Table eggs are available for purchase directly from the farm. The hens are fed a certified organic mash and have much pasture to forage. Call ahead for availability as they go fast!
One of my first breeding groups of Australorps. Each season brings new breeding goals for continuous improvement.