Caring for Our Hens
As an early adopter of humane animal care practices and industry safety standards, Pearl Valley Eggs has created a farm that is focused on keeping our hens healthy and happy. Hens are checked on and cared for 365 days a year. Barns are clean and contain the latest temperature control technology to ensure ideal conditions are maintained, keeping the birds warm in winter and cool in summer. Modern cages exceed standard sizes – 27.7" X 22.6" – and have a maximum capacity of eight birds per cage, giving them ample room to move around. The computerized feed mill ensures feed is fresh and quality controlled. Each week a nutritionist makes sure food rations are accurate and frequent health checkups are conducted by a veterinarian. Additionally, multiple bio-security measures are in place to minimize the potential for risk and help prevent contamination.
Because we hold our farm to the highest standards, we conduct monthly self-audits and annual third-party audits to ensure our bio-security measures are properly positioned. Our best practices include:
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Advanced Technologies and Monitoring Systems
Pearl Valley Eggs employs the latest industry technologies and computer monitoring systems to regulate feed, light, air, water and temperature for optimal conditions within the henhouses, processing and packaging facilities, and cooler buildings. -
Limited-Access and Restricted Areas
Visitors and guests are not permitted to freely roam about our grounds or enter any buildings without being accompanied by authorized personnel. Additionally, Pearl Valley Eggs employees who have been in contact with wild birds or birds from other farms are restricted from entering our production and processing buildings for at least 72 hours and must suit up in disposable overalls and boots to eliminate any possibility of disease being brought onto the farm. -
Sanitation
Cleanliness is key in preventing contamination, which is why Pearl Valley Eggs has implemented a variety of sanitation practices, including:- Vacuums and sweepers remove dirt, dust and stray feathers from the henhouses, doorways and walkways daily
- Interior and exterior foot baths at all doorways
- Rigorous cleaning of all processing equipment and areas
- Barns are thoroughly cleaned between flocks with hot water and disinfectants
- Thorough pest-control practices to minimize the risk of disease and insects
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Screening, Vaccination and Testing
Through our partnership with our cooperatively-owned hatchery, all of the newborn chicks are screened, vaccinated and tested for Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria and other diseases before they are brought to the Pearl Valley Eggs farm, typically 1-2 days after hatching. As the pullets grow and mature into laying hens, we keep a close watch over their health and well being to guarantee only the safest, highest-quality eggs are produced.