Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Visit The Learning Coop for in-depth guides on raising pullets and using raw honey — or contact us directly.

Ready-to-Lay Pullets

What is a ready-to-lay pullet?

A pullet is a young female chicken under one year old. "Ready to lay" means she is between 16–18 weeks old and will begin laying eggs within weeks of arriving home — no waiting months for your first egg.

What breeds do you offer?

We raise Golden Comets, Barred Rocks, White Leghorns, Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, French Copper Marans, Speckled Sussex, Olive Eggers, Silver Laced Wyandottes, and Gold Laced Wyandottes. Availability varies by season — check our pullet collection for current stock.

Which breed is best for beginners?

Golden Comets are our top recommendation for first-time flock owners. They're calm, easy to handle, mature quickly, and lay 300+ large brown eggs per year. Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons are also excellent beginner breeds. See our Beginner's Guide for a full breakdown.

Are your pullets vaccinated?

Yes. All pullets are vaccinated for Marek's Disease. Our Golden Comets are also vaccinated for Infectious Bursal Disease and tested for avian influenza and salmonella enteritidis.

How many eggs will my hens lay?

It depends on the breed. Golden Comets and White Leghorns lead at 300–350 eggs per year. Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons average 250–260. Marans and Olive Eggers lay fewer but produce stunning dark and olive-colored eggs. See each breed's product page for specifics.

How long until my hens start laying?

Most of our pullets begin laying within 3–6 weeks of arriving home and settling in. The adjustment period — new environment, new flock dynamics — can briefly delay laying. Keep stress low the first week and production will follow.

Do you ship live birds?

No — live birds cannot be shipped. All pullet orders require in-person pickup at our farm in Fletcher, NC. We offer delivery for qualifying large orders of 250+ hens. Contact us for delivery inquiries.

When and where are pickups?

Pickups are held at 58 Sheehan Road, Fletcher NC 28732 between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on scheduled dates. Our spring 2026 dates are May 16 and June 20. See our Spring 2026 Pickup page for full details and availability.

What should I bring to pick up my hens?

Bring a secure transport container — dog crates, Rubbermaid totes with ventilation holes, or cardboard moving boxes all work well. Plan for roughly 1 square foot of space per bird. Need a box? Add a Transport Box to your order for $3.00 — holds up to 6 hens and is ready at pickup.

Can I mix breeds in one flock?

Yes — most of our breeds integrate well together. Golden Comets, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and Wyandottes are all docile and flock-friendly. We recommend the "see but don't touch" method when introducing new birds to an existing flock: keep them separated but visible for 1–2 weeks before full integration.

What is your cancellation policy?

All sales are final. A 15% processing fee applies to cancellations made before the pickup date. For cancellations on or after the pickup date, store credit is issued for the full amount.

How do I care for my new hens?

Visit The Learning Coop for everything you need — housing, feeding, health, and seasonal care. Breed-specific guides are also available for Golden Comets and general flock management.

Raw Honey

What makes your honey different?

Our honey is raw, unfiltered, and small-batch — harvested directly from our hives in the Appalachian Mountains of Western NC. We never heat-treat or ultra-filter our honey, which preserves the natural enzymes, pollen, and antioxidants that make raw honey so beneficial.

What is Sourwood honey?

Sourwood is considered one of the finest honeys in the world, produced only when bees forage on the Sourwood tree — a species native to the Appalachian Mountains. It has a buttery texture with notes of caramel and warm spice. The bloom window is short, making it a true seasonal specialty. Learn more about Sourwood honey →

What's the difference between Sourwood and Wildflower honey?

Sourwood is light, floral, and buttery — best for drizzling, tea, and gifting. Wildflower is bold, complex, and earthy — better for cooking, baking, and marinades. Many customers keep both on hand. See our full comparison →

Is your honey organic?

Our honey is produced using natural, chemical-free practices on our farm. While we do not hold a USDA Organic certification, our bees forage freely across the Appalachian landscape without exposure to pesticides or synthetic treatments.

Does raw honey crystallize?

Yes — crystallization is a natural process and a sign of pure, unfiltered honey. To reliquefy, place the jar in warm water (not boiling) for 15–20 minutes. Never microwave honey, as it destroys the beneficial enzymes. Full storage guide →

How should I store my honey?

Store at room temperature in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight. Raw honey has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly — it does not expire.

Do you ship honey?

Yes! All honey orders ship directly to your door. Free shipping is included on select products — look for the "Free Shipping" label on product pages.

Can I use HONEY10?

Yes — use code HONEY10 at checkout for 10% off your first honey order. One use per customer.

Orders & Shipping

How long does shipping take?

Honey orders typically ship within 1–3 business days and arrive within 3–7 days depending on your location. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.

Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?

Yes — we work with retailers, restaurants, and farm stores. Visit our Partnerships page or contact us directly to discuss wholesale pricing and minimum order quantities.

Still have questions?

Contact us here — we're a real farm with real people and we're happy to help. Or browse The Learning Coop for free guides on pullets and honey.