We keep a 1000 free range Isa Brown hens pictured above and to the right. This is really Julie’s department as she does most of the egg collecting and grading for which we are licensed for.

We purchased our hen unit from McGregor polytunnels a modern laying unit which is mobile and with the use of a tractor can be towed to enable easy cleaning. It is furnished inside with slates and with Jansen roll away nest boxes. These allow the eggs to roll onto a central belt which is hand wound from within the packing area to a collection table. Feeding is done manually but water is supplied by automatic bell drinkers.

All the hens are free to come and go during daylight hours and are locked away by night . The range is protected by an electric netting fence to prevent access by predators such as foxes.

Our new hens have arrived bringing our total flock size to 2000.

This time we decided to go for a more traditional hen house made from wood. The still have roll away nest boxes and a well designed perching area. We purchased these from Smiths Sectional Buildings I will be adding photos to our album soon.