By Jacque Kirk, Moon Dance Farm
Here at Moon Dance Farm we are having some heavy turnover in the hen department. We’ve had multiple dog attacks on our free-range hens. It started with the New Year’s Day massacre. An unknown dog broke into our secured hen house early in the AM and killed 7 laying hens, including several green egg layers, and 2 big guineas. Since then we’ve had two more attacks by a neighbor’s dogs, who have killed at least 4 laying hens. Our hens were just minding their own business in our fenced backyard and pasture. The neighbor was considerate to come over to ask what they can do to prevent further destruction. The main thing is to keep their dogs locked in their fence.
We wanted to make you aware of what is happening as it is affecting our egg business. If you buy eggs from us, you may notice the eggs are a bit smaller than the usual huge ones you’ve been getting. Some of our hens are pullets (young hens), 6 months old, but laying really well. Their eggs just aren’t full size yet. I am including some of the larger pullet eggs in the cartons. The eggs will get larger throughout the summer. We have 15 other very young chicks in training as well.
On another note, we have begun adding sea kelp, sunflowers seeds, flax seed, and whole oats to our hen food. I’m doing this to maximize the Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in the egg. An egg is the total nutritious package except for Vitamin C. For more information go to the American Egg Board www.incredibleegg.org.
Thank you.