Cheeping, pecking, fluffy balls of yellow, brown, and white tumbled onto the Bounty Community Farm recently, warming our hearts and lifting our spirits with excitement.
That’s right, the chickens are here.
Our Farm Manager Trik picked up about 20 chickens from Alchemist Farm in Sebastopol and ferried them to their new home on August 23. Until they are ready to hit the field running, they will be looked after by farm intern Grace, and her family, who have been keeping chickens for 14 years. We are grateful for the help.
Volunteer “chicken tenders” wanted
Interested in learning how to raise chickens? You’re in luck (and so are we). We are seeking volunteers to tend to chickens. Contact us by email at education@petalumabounty.org or call or text (707) 364-4866.
Our colorful flock consists of
- Azure Egger Chicks
- Bantam Cochin Chicks
- German Bielefelder Chicks
- Sage Egger Chick 2022 Line
We are grateful to TheFruit Guys and Alchemist Farm
Petaluma Bounty was able to bring chickens onto the farm thanks to a grant from The FruitGuys Community Fund. The FruitGuys organization provides annual grant awards to small farms and agricultural nonprofits that support sustainable agriculture projects with large positive impacts on the environment, local food webs, and farm diversity. We are grateful for the grant and the recognition that small farms and agricultural nonprofits are critical stewards of the land and key to an equitable food system.
Alchemist Farm is a family-run farm and a pioneer in humane breeding and hatching. Alchemist’s sustainable practices are impressive and we are excited to be raising chickens coming from this farm. The farm and hatchery are 100% zero waste; its operations run on 100% solar; and shipments are 100% plastic free. It’s a farm with kindred spirits.
Gaining trust from our neighbors
Prior to the chickens’ arrival, Petaluma Bounty’s director and staff visited neighboring residents and businesses to speak with them about our endeavor and to listen to their concerns.
Our neighbors’ biggest fear was that chicken feed could attract rodents.
Petaluma Bounty explained that as part of our sustainability practices and to deter pests that could learn to frequent a static feeding area, the chickens will be fed via a mobile feeding system. The chicken feed will be kept in a secure, rodent-proof location.
The Petaluma Bounty team shared direct contact information with the neighbors in an effort to keep communication lines wide open. Petaluma Bounty wants to ensure that neighbors feel comfortable reaching out with any questions or concerns at any point.
It was a valuable experience to connect with neighbors and reestablish relations, says Petaluma Bounty staff Maria, who coordinates community outreach, among her many duties. Maria wants to encourage the neighbors to come visit the Bounty — and hopefully get some fresh eggs too, soon!