The chickens at Seven Trees Farm play an important part in our system of farming by keeping down pest insects, fertilizing as they aerate pastures and paddocks with their scratching.
Our small varied flock has a comfortable dry indoor space safe from the weather, a large outdoor yard, and they are regularly released to range on our green pastures which we seed with forage mixes designed to make healthy hens & eggs. They are also fed green chop or grass when we mow or scythe areas, and enjoy kitchen leftovers like bread heels and vegetable peels, not to mention loads of garden goodies depending on the season.
Our farm horse Kate, while in training, contributes greatly to soil fertility by providing plenty of manure that we compost with the hen house bedding. When Kate has learned enough to be a safe work horse, she will help by harrowing pasture, pulling a manure spreader, and pulling a variety of passenger and farm vehicles.
Why local pastured eggs?
Buying local keeps your money in the community. The food is not transported great distances saving energy/fuel and the environment. The food is not only fresher, it tastes better. You're supporting local farmers, keeping them in business and in turn their farms, rural space, and pastures stay undeveloped.
According to USDA studies, eggs from chickens that truly range freely on pasture show:
4 to 6 times more vitamin D
1/3 less cholesterol
1/4 less saturated fat
2/3 more vitamin A
2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
3 times more vitamin E
7 times more beta carotene
Local pastured eggs means fresher, healthier and happier chickens!
c.2010 Seven Trees Farm