Mastering Pasture Poultry Egg Layers

Tonight’s episode will talk about experiences we’ve had on the farm with our poultry operation, share a number of our secrets, and examples of what has allowed us to be successful in the pastured poultry, and egg-laying operation.
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[@ArvinBanua]

Great job sir... Happy farming.

[@4ulobo]

What would you say is a good price for a nice organic multi colored variety of fresh free range eggs

[@pigeonriverfarm6909]

The pricing of organic, multi-colored, free-range eggs is quite nuanced, especially within a local market. By 'local', I mean within a 100-mile radius. In this region, retail prices for these eggs generally range from $5 to $7 per dozen. While I distribute my eggs through a wholesaler and don't engage in direct consumer sales, I'm keenly aware of these market prices. A significant factor contributing to our advantageous shelf positioning in stores is our Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) certification. This certification underscores our commitment to high animal welfare standards, which resonates well with consumers and retailers alike, thus impacting our pricing positively. Observing the local market, I've seen similar egg products, those without the AWA certification, priced around $4 per dozen. This price disparity underscores the value and recognition that the AWA certification brings to our products. For those considering direct sales, it's important to account for the increased labor in marketing and sales efforts, which justifies a higher markup. In contrast, distributing through channels like ours might mean lower prices per unit, but with the benefit of higher sales volumes and less hassle in managing surplus stock or finding secondary markets for unsold eggs. Once you've set your prices, particularly considering the value-added by the Organic certification, it's important to maintain consistency across all customers to establish and uphold trust in your brand. Bob

[@TammyNelson-v8i]

Where did you source your egg washer and candler...?

[@kevingbergiste7372]

Does it harm the health of the hens when they lay all winter?

[@pigeonriverfarm6909]

My experience with over half a century of Laying hens that both extremes in weather extremely hot and extremely cold can be stressful to the birds overall, but from an egg laying standpoint that is strictly a function of good quality nutrients and specifically sunlight. Since my model utilizes multiple green houses that the birds reside in all winter, they get ample sunlight to maintain her laying ability. The variety of heritage birds that we raise. Typically lay between 220 and 250 days per year. So based on when they came to maturity. This will start the late cycle. I would believe in a cold, damp environment egg laying during the winter could be harmful for the birds. But it would be doubtful if they would actually propagate any egg laying under them conditions. Hope this information was helpful. Thank you for subscribing.

[@Bucksboyy]

So your chicks come to you unvaccinated from hatchery?

[@pigeonriverfarm6909]

Yes, I have always ordered the chicks unvaccinated. So far this has not been a problem and if it does, I'll go back to hatching my own.