Training the Laying Hens
- Full Farm CSA
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
When we get new flocks of laying hens there is a process of training them for their lives out on the fields.
"We do this process in baby steps," said poultry manager Ikaika Johnson.
First, the young hens, called pullets, are put in their new trailer for one week. During this period they to get used to the trailer and accept it as their home. Previously they lived in a brooder stall and need to figure out where the food and water is and how to roost.
After that first week, the trailer is towed onto pasture and the young hens are allowed out on a small area of grass. During that time we watch to make sure they spend their days outside and then put themselves to bed at night inside the trailer. If they aren't trained to do this, they may try to overnight in nearby trees. And catching a flock of chickens is not an easy task!!
Once the flock is successful at night roosting, their pasture enclosure is increased in size. Soon they will begin laying their first small "pullet eggs" which we sell at the farmers market booths.
The photos show orange fencing covering the sides of the trailers where egg boxes will be installed.
