How we farm

Forest raised chickens are raised in a system that allows them to live and forage within a wooded environment, rather than on open pasture or in confinement. At Drip Spring Hollow Farm, this approach is central to how we care for our birds and the land.

In a forest-based system, chickens have daily access to trees, leaf litter, understory plants, and natural ground cover. This environment provides:

• Shade and protection from weather
• Shelter from aerial predators 
• A diverse foraging landscape
• Reduced stress through natural cover
   

Unlike open fields, forests offer a more stable and comfortable environment, particularly in hot or variable climates.

Chickens are woodland birds by nature. In forested settings, they can:

• Scratch through leaf litter 
• Hunt insects and small invertebrates 
• Dust bathe in shaded soil 
• Seek shelter when needed
   

Allowing these behaviors supports both the physical and psychological health of the birds, which is a key component of production animal welfare.

Forest-raised systems, when managed responsibly, can benefit the land as well as the animals. Chickens help:

• Distribute nutrients naturally 
• Reduce insect pressure
• Turn leaf litter and organic matter
• Integrate livestock into a balanced ecosystem
   

Careful rotation and stocking density are essential to protecting soil health and vegetation.

While forest foraging provides enrichment and supplemental nutrients, it does not replace the need for balanced feed. Forest-raised chickens still require carefully formulated rations to support growth, health, and egg production, especially during seasonal changes.

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Forest-raised farming blends natural behavior with intentional management. By pairing access to a wooded environment with sound nutrition, shelter, and daily care, we raise chickens in a way that prioritizes welfare, environmental stewardship, and consistent, high-quality eggs.

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At Drip Spring Hollow Farm, our choice to raise heritage breed pigs is intentional. These breeds were developed long before modern confinement systems and were selected for traits that allow them to thrive outdoors, making them a natural fit for forest- and pasture-based farming.

Heritage breeds such as Mulefoot and Kunekune pigs are well suited for life outdoors. They are hardy, adaptable, and capable of utilizing forage, roots, and natural vegetation as part of their diet. Their physical structure and temperament allow them to move comfortably through wooded and uneven terrain, which supports both animal welfare and land stewardship.

Because heritage pigs are not bred for rapid growth in confinement, they tend to experience less stress in low-input systems. They are better able to express natural behaviors such as rooting, foraging, and social interaction. This results in animals that are calmer, healthier, and better suited to the environment in which they are raised.

Heritage breeds are known for producing pork with excellent flavor, texture, and marbling. Slower growth allows muscle and fat to develop more naturally, resulting in pork that is well balanced and well suited for a wide range of culinary uses.

Many heritage pig breeds were nearly lost as industrial agriculture shifted toward a small number of commercial genetics. By raising heritage breeds, we help preserve genetic diversity within livestock populations and support farming systems that value resilience and adaptability.

Ultimately, heritage pigs align with how we farm. They complement our forest-based system, support responsible land management, and allow us to raise animals in a way that prioritizes welfare, sustainability, and quality food.

Click Here to Learn more about The Mulefoot Breed 

Click Here to Learn more about The Kunekune Breed

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Egg production isn’t just about having chickens — it’s the result of several key environmental and nutritional factors working together. At Drip Spring Hollow Farm, we manage light exposure, temperature, and nutrition thoughtfully to support the health and natural rhythms of our hens.

Light is the most important factor influencing whether a hen lays eggs. Hens require approximately 14–16 hours of daylight to maintain consistent egg production. As days shorten in the fall and winter, hens naturally slow or stop laying.

This response isn’t a flaw — it’s a biological safeguard. Longer nights signal the hen’s body to rest and conserve energy. Rather than forcing production, we allow our birds to follow natural seasonal cycles, which supports long-term health and longevity.

While cold temperatures alone do not stop egg production, extreme heat or cold can reduce laying. When hens are stressed by temperature, their bodies prioritize survival over egg production.

• Cold weather increases calorie needs as hens burn energy to stay warm
   
• Hot weather often reduces feed intake, which can decrease egg output
   

Providing shelter, shade, airflow, and access to fresh water helps minimize stress and allows hens to maintain more consistent production when conditions fluctuate.

Producing an egg requires significant nutrients, especially protein, energy, calcium, and essential vitamins and minerals. Hens have different nutritional needs depending on their age, body condition, and stage of production.

Balanced rations are essential to:

• Support egg production and shell quality 
• Maintain strong bones and overall health
• Prevent nutrient deficiencies that can lead to long-term issues
   

At our farm, we pay close attention to ration balance and adjust feeding strategies as needed to support both productivity and well-being.

Even with good management, egg production naturally rises and falls throughout the year. Seasonal changes in daylight, temperature, and forage availability all play a role. These fluctuations are a normal part of raising hens in a natural, outdoor environment.

We believe that respecting these biological rhythms results in healthier birds and better eggs over time.

More Information on Egg Production 

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