The Coop
Our flock lives in an 8x10 ft re-purposed storage unit with a 20x30 ft run. They have free access to food and water both inside and outside their coop. When we're home and can watch them, they roam the barnyard. They also enjoy a solar powered automatic chicken door by Coop Tender, because we're busy and there are a lot of raccoons on the ranch. Their perch and 15 hole nesting box can accommodate 75 birds comfortably (we only have 40-50 at any given time). The fishing line at the top of the coop prevents hawks from swooping in on them and there are summer and winter doors that aid ventilation. We have an "on at 35F off at 45F" plug that controls a heater for them as well. Overall, we hope they're happy hens!
Salmon Faverolle Chickens
The Faverolles is a French breed developed in the 1860's in north-central France. Originally bred in France for use as a utility fowl, for both eggs and meat, they are now primarily raised for show. Faverolles roosters are the quietest of all breeds and known for their extreme docility. As a result, they can be bullied in a mixed flock for being so gentle and friendly.
Faverolles are classified as a heavy breed and have a beard, muffs, feathered feet and five toes per foot, rather than the usual four. The most common color is Salmon. The plumage of salmon females is mainly brown and creamy white. The males are darker, with black, brown, and straw-colored feathers. Other varieties, including white, black, ermine, cuckoo, splash and blue also exist. Hens are good winter layers of medium-sized, light brown to pinkish eggs. The American Poultry Association standard for cocks is 8 lb (4 kg) and for hens is 6 lb (3 kg). |
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Eggs fortified with Omega 3 Fatty AcidsWe feed Purina Layena Plus Omega-3. This promotes optimum nutrition for healthy birds and nutritious eggs. A 16%-protein high-calcium ration fortified with Omega-3 rich flaxseed oil formulated for top-producing laying hens once they reach 18 weeks of age.
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How do we get all those those pretty colors?
According to Michigan State University Extension, egg color is determined by the genetics of the hens. The breed of the hen will indicate what color eggs she will produce. For example, Leghorn chickens lay white eggs while Orpington's lay brown eggs and Ameraucana produce blue eggs.
On our farm, the pink eggs we produce come from Salmon Faverolles, our black Austerlops and Jersey Giants make blue, green, and tan eggs, the chocolate spotted eggs come from our Wellsummers, and the bluest blue eggs come from our Ameraucanas. So now you know our secret! Except for the purple, and we don't know who laid that one! :)
On our farm, the pink eggs we produce come from Salmon Faverolles, our black Austerlops and Jersey Giants make blue, green, and tan eggs, the chocolate spotted eggs come from our Wellsummers, and the bluest blue eggs come from our Ameraucanas. So now you know our secret! Except for the purple, and we don't know who laid that one! :)
Needing chicks?On occasion we accept outside eggs to incubate or have chicks available for sale. Please inquire for pricing and availability.
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