From 25 to 600!

Ben Reynaldo was on the look-out for a suitable farming enterprise to run on Kingsclere’s land. He chose hens as they bring so much to the circular farming process – and the local community can buy the eggs at the farm gate…

Starting with 25 hens, and now running a 600-strong flock, Ben and his hens follow the dairy herd around with the mobile egg-laying units. The chickens peck at the cow dung, feeding on the insects found within – just as nature intended, which means they need fewer protein supplements in their diet. Their pecking also exposes any bugs to sunlight that kills off any unwanted bacteria – making what returns to the soil even healthier.

We’ve also shared the capital costs, installing an Egg Shed vending machine at Folly Farm and investing in the mobile shed units, while Ben has bought the flock and other items needed to set it up. We share running costs and share the income from egg sales. It’s an exciting business that looks set to fly!