Sunlight Wanted

Minnesota winters make raising chickens a challenge because short winter days do not provide the full 12 hours of sunlight chickens need each day to lay an egg. Despite that challenge, by 1880 almost every farm in Minnesota had chickens. Eggs provided an important and consistent food source families could rely on. Continued demand for chicken and eggs means many heritage breeds of chickens can still be found on farms today. These chickens are fed corn, also eat leafy greens, and may forage for insects, while clover and dandelion leaves are a treat.

Shakopee, Minnesota · United States