We make sure each flock of 500 hens has access to over 2 acres of farmland, including the forest's edge, pastures, and streams where they can catch insects and grubs. Overall, the life of a hen at Centerfield is just about as good as it gets.
- Why 500-hen flocks? Centerfield has determined this is the ideal flock size to ensure the hens will be widely distributed across the pasture and forest, allows for natural social dynamics, and, with several flock vintages, yields a good range of X-Large, Large and Pullet sized eggs. Multiple flocks also help to guarantee a reliable egg supply if something should happen to one of the flocks.
- Consisting solely of Heritage birds including Bard Rock, Aracauna, Black Australorps, Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Red, Comets, and some White Leghorns. This yields a diverse and pleasing mix of white, green, blue and various brown eggs.
- All flocks are raised from one-day old chicks. We think pasture raised eggs can only come from pasture raised hens!
- Roosters are another important part of flock dynamics plus they give the early warning call when predators arrive. A rooster for every 25-30 hens seems to work well for these reasons.
SPent hens
Spent hens are hens that no longer lay eggs with a frequency which makes sense for a commercial operation like Centerfield. However, these proven layers make great additions for any backyard flock and are offered out to the public once or twice a year.
Why would Centerfield encourage its customers to buy and raise their own egg layers? Producing great tasting eggs is hard work! And we believe some of the best customers are not only educated in the farm life, but are actually involved in the process of producing good, healthy food. Plus, we're confident the more people try pasture raised eggs, the more people will buy them!
Why would Centerfield encourage its customers to buy and raise their own egg layers? Producing great tasting eggs is hard work! And we believe some of the best customers are not only educated in the farm life, but are actually involved in the process of producing good, healthy food. Plus, we're confident the more people try pasture raised eggs, the more people will buy them!