What's been happening on the farm

It's been 2 months since I did a farm update! First on the update is the laying hens. I took a bit of a risk with the new laying hens back in March, they came to me at 18 months old, usually nearing end of life for commercial hens. They go through a molt after 1 year of laying and their laying percentage drops so some farmers prefer to replace flocks every 12 months. 

Two months later I'm very happy with them. They have fully recovered from their molt and they are currently laying above a 70% average this month. My fingers are crossed that this continues and they prove to be profitable little hens. 

The new hens are doing so well in fact that eggs are now back open for general sale and subscriptions for the first time in about a year! If you've been wanting to give them a try you can now order online. 

🐓 Building A New Brooder - Back in April I mentioned that I'd be building a new brooder for the baby chicks I get at just a day old for meat production, well that hasn't happened.. yet but plans are now underway and materials have just arrived! I've waited to install a new brooder as getting it right is really important. It's such a crucial part of the process and the little chicks are so prone to predators that this year I decided I would rather wait, take my time and finally make something absolutely air tight. The new design includes a dense concrete base and walls and fully clad walls just high enough for me to be able to walk inside. I'll let you know how it comes along. 

💧Installing A Ram Pump – The ram pump is now fully installed and working... some of the time. I'm currently tweaking it in-between other jobs, trying to get the flow right but the main problem has been lack of rain, the dry spell finally looks like it's behind us and I'm fully welcoming the rain, not least because the grass was really starting to struggle. 

Upcoming Events

🥚Holmfirth Community Market, 7th June 8am - 12pm

I'll be at the Holmfirth community market just ate bottom of the coop carpark. 

🍺 Food Circle Huddersfield Producers Market, 19th June 6pm - 7:30pm

Join me for a bit of special food circle as I'll not only have my usual stall but I'll be catering on behalf of Food Circle and chicken is on the menu! 

🎪 Honley Show, 28th June 9am - 5pm

I'll be sponsoring the poultry section as well as having my own trade stand where I'll be promoting pasture raised chicken and eggs to the people of Honley and beyond. 

🫛 Devour Farmers Market & Brunch, 29th June 10am - 3pm

Food Circle Huddersfield have teamed up with Devour of Holmfirth to put on a farmers market and brunch. I'll be there of course alongside host of other Food Circle attendees.