Announcements

Current Flock Status

Available Now

Sapphire Gems

Chocolate Layers

Barred Rocks

Golden Comets 

Feed Status

We have Layer Feed, Poultry Grower,  Poultry Starter, and Scratch in stock.

 

 

Hours

Hours

Friday - Sunday

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Other Hours by Appointment only

Dunreath Farm
13101 Ashland Road
Ashland, VA 23005
804-798-9052

Your Backyard Coop Deserves the Best – Check out Our Premium Pullets

Sapphire Gems - These stunning grey-blue birds are prized for their impressive egg production, hardiness and adaptability. They are friendly, docile, and well-suited for backyard coops. Expect up to 300 large to extra-large light brown eggs within their first 18-80 weeks of age. $29 each

Barred Rocks - A classic, all-American heritage breed that thrive in backyard coops. They are renowned for their calm, friendly, and docile temperament. You can expect these Barred Rock hens to lay more than 300 large to extra-large light brown eggs within their first 72 weeks of egg laying! $29 each

Chocolate Egger - The Chocolate Eggers are a hybrid from an Araucana and Maran cross. They are usually very docile and often funny, chatty birds. They are cold-hearty birds but also do surprisingly well in the heat. Egg color can range from hot chocolate to a deep, rich cocoa color. $29 each

Golden Comets - Our regulars already know how fabulous our Golden Comets pullets are! Not the fanciest chicken but one of the best all time layers and sweet birds. $22 each

All these birds have been raised on an advanced vaccination program protecting against 9 common poultry diseases, providing a level of health protection rarely available in backyard flocks. They are vaccinated against Mareks, Newcastle Bronchitis, IBD, Salmonella Enteritidis, E. coli, Tracheitis, Coryza, Avian Encephalomyelitis and Fowl Pox. They have also been tested for Avian Influenza and Pullorum.

Please bring something to transport your girls home such as a dog crate, pet carrier or box.

At this age, the sex of heritage pullets can be somewhat indistinguishable. Although we order only females, sexing is not perfect. We do our best to send you home with only females, but some cockerels are late bloomers. For biosecurity, we cannot take returns or exchanges. All sales are final.

Scratch Grains: A Simple Treat for Active Spring and Summer Flocks

Chickens are natural foragers. Scratching the ground isn’t just a habit—it’s a core instinct that keeps birds active, engaged, and content. During spring and summer, when pastures and yards are alive with seeds, greens, and insects, scratch grains provide a simple way to encourage that natural behavior.

For flocks that free range, chickens spend much of the day searching for seeds, greens, and insects on their own. But many backyard flocks live in a coop with an attached run and have limited access to natural forage. In these settings, scratch grains become an important form of enrichment. Scattering a small amount in the run encourages birds to scratch, search, and stay active rather than standing around the feeder. This simple activity helps reduce boredom and promotes natural flock behavior.

In warm weather, scratch grains are best used as an occasional treat rather than a primary feed. Chickens already receive balanced nutrition from their complete feed and whatever seasonal forage they find outdoors.

Scratch should never replace a balanced layer or grower feed. Offer scratch only after birds have eaten their regular ration, and limit the amount to what the flock will clean up in about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps scratch as a reward rather than allowing it to dilute the flock’s overall nutrition.

Scratch feeding is also a great way to build trust with your birds. Chickens quickly learn to associate the sound of grain with their caretaker. Many keepers use scratch as a training tool—calling the flock back to the coop, gathering birds at dusk, or simply making daily chores more enjoyable.

Because scratch grains are whole grains, chickens must have access to grit. Grit allows the gizzard to properly grind the grain and supports healthy digestion. Free-ranging birds often find natural grit outdoors, but providing commercial grit or fine gravel ensures the entire flock has what it needs.

Oyster shell is not a substitute for grit. Oyster shell is a calcium supplement designed for laying hens and dissolves during digestion. Grit, on the other hand, remains in the gizzard to grind whole grains and feed particles.

Scratch Feeding Rule of Thumb:

Scratch grains should make up no more than about 10% of a chicken’s daily diet. Always feed complete feed first, then offer scratch as a treat or enrichment activity.

Used properly, scratch grains are a simple way to add activity, enrichment, and interaction to your flock’s routine—keeping chickens busy, curious, and content throughout the growing season.

Mailing List

This website was last updated on: June 4, 2026 - 3:35 p.m.

we-accept-cash-or-credit-cards

We accept Cash and all major credit cards. We do not accept checks.

3% Discount for Cash and Zelle

 

Notes

  • All sales are at our farm. We do not ship or deliver anything.
  • We sell point-of-lay pullets. We do not sell chicks or hatching eggs.
  • Due to State regulations, we do not sell any animals to be transported out of state.
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