Raising 250 chicks is a long, time-consuming process that many people would never consider. But the way Debbie Hill, owner of Farmer's Daughter Eggs gushes on about her chicks, you can tell she has definitely found her calling. "I've learned how little I actually knew about chickens and the process of raising them," Hill says. "Chickens have personalities, and they are all totally and completely different."
What began as a desire to find more flavorful organic eggs is now a full-fledged business, thanks to friends and family wanting to get in on the egg action. Hill is even offering to gift-wrap eggs in special cartons.
Everyone who hears about Hill's chickens get excited; some people bring their kids by just to see them as they preen, scratch, peck and sunbathe in their Grant yard. But Hill says that raising chickens isn't easy; it takes a lot of time, knowledge and the right equipment to make sure each chick reaches maturity. In fact, it takes 20 weeks before chicks start laying eggs. "It’s just an awesome process,” she says. “My favorite part is sharing it with people.”
Currently, Hill sells her eggs online and at the Mahtomedi farmers market every Saturday. In the fall, she will be starting an adopt-a-chicken program that will allow people to come out and play with their chick in addition to getting eggs.
@ To see pictures or to order apparel, and of course, eggs, visit farmersdaughtereggs.com.
