We want farm fresh eggs! At our current location, having backyard chickens isn’t feasible but it’s a dream of ours. So what do we do?
Shortening your food supply chain is critical! And knowing where your food comes from is pivotal. Even more so is knowing how these animals are treated.
We have friends who raise chickens for their own food source and share with others.
My husband and I were talking with our friends one day and asked, can we barter chicken feed for eggs? Can we help pitch in on chores?
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
They joyfully said YES! So we started buying feed and coming over to help with chores to ease their workload and we get to enjoy time with them, both our friends and the flock.
Sourcing: how to find eggs
Two words: facebook marketplace
Marketplace is a great option to search locally. Many local egg sellers will post eggs for sale
Facebook Groups: There is a statewide farm to table group for my state where you can ask who is selling eggs, milk, fruits and veggies.
Other options for finding eggs: Word of mouth, farmers markets, drive around and look for yard signs or farm stands advertising farm fresh eggs. Craigslist can be another option too for finding eggs.
Barter and Trade
What exactly is bartering (and trading)? the most simplest way I can explain this is when you have a need and submit and offer to the other that has the item you need AND both parties can come to an agreement that is beneficial for both.
After a few rounds of buying eggs, I would approach your farmer and ask, “I am wondering if you would be open to a barter and trade. Can I buy a bag of feed in exchange for eggs? Would this help you?”
If not feed, they may accept homemade sourdough bread, homemade jam, fruit trees, berry bushes, yard work.
Dont give up! I really do believe that you can find a great farmer who will work with you if you want to barter and trade services.
Sourcing Feed
We use scratch and peck feed for the chickens and ducks. We buy feed and goodies (like herbs for the nesting boxes or grubs for treats). In return, we get eggs.
If you are in the market for high quality, organic and nongmo feed, I would highly suggest scratch and peck. You might be able to find it at a feed store near you, through Azure Standard, or you can buy from Scratch and Peck and have it shipped to your house. Order HERE and use code THEFLOURINGHOME15 to save on your order.
What should you look for in feed?
Well honestly thats up to you. I like to be able to grab a handful of feed and ACTUALLY see what the chickens will be eating. Organic Wheat, Organic Barley, Organic Peas, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Limestone, Organic Rice Protein, Fish Meal, Poultry Vitamin and Mineral Premix, Organic Sunflower Oil
I want to know that what the flock is being fed is actually coming from whole food sources and not made in some laboratory.
Herbs and Treats
I tend to be on the more natural side of things. Having HERBS available to be available for the chicken’s nesting boxes and for them to nibble on means that I am helping to support their immune systems and build a healthy and happy flock.
The Scratch and Peck herbs is full of goodness: Organic Garlic, Organic Ginger, Organic Parsley, Organic Thyme, Organic Basil, Organic Oregano, Organic Nettle, Organic Calendula. So many incredible herbs to support their immune systems (garlic, oregano, thyme) and herbs that provide great nutrients and minerals (like nettle and calendula).
The herbs can also increase the coloring of the yolk in farm fresh eggs. Ever wonder why some yolks are pale yellow and others are super orange? It can come from what the chickens are foraging through, what they’re eating and what herbs are being given to them.
Grubs, initially they can be so gross but be prepared for the chickens and ducks to go crazy! The flock loves them and honestly once you have them nibbling out of your hands, the gross factor goes out the window.
lets just explore some scenes on the farm:
I’d love to know, so leave me a comment, how do chickens make you happy?
Check out the video here on why chickens make me happy!
