Layer Chickens

What can we say about our layers – they are everywhere!  They are a true free-range bird that isn’t confined by any fencing.  Our layers spend the night in their Barn 3 coop where we use the deep litter method (lots of bedding that composts and provides heat throughout the winter) to keep them warm.  During the day they have full access to the whole farm but tend to stay very close to the pigs.  The chickens and pigs have a symbiotic relationship.  The chickens clean up spilled pig feed, “other” waste, and eat parasites and in turn the pigs provide them protection from predators.  Pigs provide protection??  While pigs tend to be considered "prey" instead of being a "predator" once you see a 1,000 pound protective boar or sow it's no surprise that when a fox or coyote show up that the chickens run for the pigs instead of their coop.  We actually use our boars and most protective sows as a first line of defense on the farm - especially when farrowing.  Don't your pigs eat your chickens?  No!  All of our pigs are raised around chickens so that are just part of the family.  It's not surprising to see a group of chickens perched on top of a pig while they are sleeping - you just don't want to pet that pig after!   

While not the best quality picture it's pretty obvious why our chickens hang out with our pigs!

You swing me right around baby!

Chickens foraging in the woods at Greener Days Farm!

Life on Greener Days Farm!