John and Paula Patton started Chapel Lane Eggs in 2014, when they built their first hen barn and supplied their organic eggs to a larger egg packer. Continuing to grow, in 2020 they decided to sell their eggs directly to local shops, cafes, and bakeries. At the heart of John and Paula’s farm is the welfare of their hens. They rear their hens (Lohmann Browns) from day old baby chicks in a purpose-built rearing shed, until they are ready to join one of two small flocks. The hens are given freedom to roam on John and Paula’s land which has several plantations of native apple, pear and plum trees where the hens can behave naturally - scratching and looking for food in the grass. The hens are fed on an organic diet that contains no GM products and is free from chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and antibiotics. Lohmann Brown’s are a quiet, friendly and inquisitive breed. They mainly lay a lovely brown egg but can go lighter in the summer months. Their egg yolk is a rich yellow colour which comes from the tasty organic feed that they eat.