Originally our hens would come to us at 16 weeks of age, prior to point of lay. At that time, they would have to adjust to our feed, climate and genuine free range system. In 2017, we decided to build a brooder shed and begin getting in day old chicks. We believe that rearing our own birds allows us to closely monitor each flock and get them accustomed to our system. From a young age, they have access to the paddock and are transferred out to our portable sheds at 12 weeks of age. Rearing our own birds has allowed us to have a more uniform flock resulting in increased egg production.