Our Hens
The modern system of free range combines traditional farming philosophy with the latest technology to ensure efficiency, quality control and rapid delivery of fresh free range eggs. There is no overcrowding and so less stress. The hens can pop out at any time during the day and 'free range' through 'pop' holes on the sides of the houses. This tends to be most of the day, especially during fine weather. On wetter occasions, they very sensibly opt for warmth and dryness.
The hens are fed on a wholesome, natural, vegetarian diet, with no added antibiotics or hormones. There are plenty of fresh water drinkers and ample feeding stations. They also love to go pecking around in the trees and bushes, looking for worms, berries or anything they would naturally eat in the wild. The cover provided by the undergrowth also gives them a sense of security.
There is a scratching floor area in each hen house which goes a long way towards keeping the birds happy. The remaining floor is raised off the ground allowing droppings to pass through, thus maintaining hygiene.
Our birds come from RSPCA approved rearers and have been tested to ensure they disease-free. The hens are vaccinated twice against salmonella, once at 12 weeks and again at 16 weeks. Independent inspectors carry out regular inspections of both hygiene and animal welfare.