Our chickens are raised in a fixed rotational system which allows them daily access to fresh soil and plants, while maintaining protection from predators.  

The chickens rotate through three 10’x60’ runs that are planted with a variety of cover crops, such as peas and oats and mustard greens.  The fourth run is planted with our own veggie garden which is off limits to the flock until after harvest, at which point they have a field day picking over the garden residue. Once they have completely eaten down the plant and bug population, they move on to a freshly planted run and the depleted run is replanted.  In addition to the garden runs, they have a large protected spring holding area planted with forage and native grasses, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees. They also have access to a large sheltered run that provides shade and protection from rain/snow when needed.  The sheltered run is over natural ground, layered with biochar and wood chips, then inoculated with lactobacillus acid bacteria (LAB)to maintain a healthy microbial balance to break down manure and manage smells.

In addition to the plants and insects they forage for, the chickens are provided free-choice access to organic, soy-free layer pellets by Green Mountain as well as a daily ration of fermented organic whole grain, soy-free, layer feed by New Country Organics.  They also have open access to grit and a calcium supplement (a mix of oyster shells and their own washed, baked eggshells).  

Water is always available in closed, insulated dispensers and electrolytes, probiotics, and ice are added when summer temperatures are high.  They are also provided with servings of water with garlic infused cider vinegar at least once a week, as well as monthly servings of herbal infused water to boost overall gut health and resilience. 

  We refer to their habitat and care routine as Chicken Paradise, hence the name “Paradise Eggs”.