The hens

Our hens are Buff Orpingtons, who are particularly resilient in winter, and another old breed, Rhode Island Reds.  About a third of the flock are Red Sexlinks, started as day-olds, from a hatchery. 
We feed 18% protein layer ration, and offer oyster shell shards for the shells of their eggs.  The hens free range every day.  In winter we sprout grains, such as whole oats and barley, plus offer warm kitchen scraps, for variety and nutrition .  We breed mealworms for chicken treats.