Meet Our Happy Hens
Day old to 6–10 weeks
Our Lohmann chicks are raised in a large, insulated, temperature-controlled brooder shed until they are strong enough to move outdoors. This gives them complete protection from predators during their earliest weeks. It is also the only stage of life where they are housed in a shed.
From day one
Organigrow chicks are not de-beaked before arriving at the farm, and we will never de-beak our chicks or hens.
From 6–10 weeks onward
Once moved into the grower runs, the young hens have access to shade, shelter and protection. Trees, tall crops and bird netting help protect them from aerial predators, while electric fencing helps keep out foxes and feral dogs.
As they grow
Our hens are managed using cell grazing, which helps protect pasture health and supports strong, natural regrowth across the farm.
Every day on the farm
Because our hens are truly free to roam, they live in a natural environment where some risks do exist. Carpet snakes, hawks and eagles are part of life in the landscape. To help protect the flock, three Maremma guardian dogs live and work alongside the hens. They are dedicated flock protectors and have formed a remarkable bond with the birds.
At feeding time
While hens naturally eat insects when foraging, we do not feed meat meal, which is commonly found in many poultry feeds, including some organic ones. Our hens are fed a high-quality certified organic vegetarian grain mix, carefully selected from five separate silos, each holding a different grain variety.
Out on pasture
Just as importantly, our hens have access to what we believe real organic free-range systems should provide — green pick. They forage on grass, leaves, insects and fallen fruit from around the farm, adding natural variety to their diet.
What makes Organigrow different
Not all free-range systems are equal. In many cases, “free-range” simply means access to an outside yard, even if that space is bare and without shade or meaningful forage.
On an organically certified farm
At Organigrow, even the soil our hens scratch in is free from herbicides, insecticides and other chemical residues. That matters, because an egg reflects what the hen has eaten and the environment she lives in.
The result
When hens have access to real pasture and plenty of green pick, they produce eggs with naturally rich golden yolks and the goodness that comes from a healthy, varied diet — with no artificial colours needed.