Heroic Rescue to Boutique Hatchery
Melissahof is the hard-working, yet bucolic farm of Melissa Hemken, nestled in the Lander Valley of Wyoming. The name "hof" is German for farm, and it reflects the rural spirit. Melissa established Melissahof Hatchery after rescuing a mail order of baby chicks that had been in transit for over 80 hours (chicks can only survive 72 hours without food or water)! The heritage poultry flocks are raised on pasture in rotation with cattle and the heirloom garlic beds to regenerate the health of the soil, water, plants and all animals.
Holistic Farming
The wholistic view manages the farmland, and all its occupants, to benefit the whole of the agroecological system. Melissahof is managed with rotational grazing of cattle and poultry to provide tall grass for wildlife and invertebrates and allow grass and forbs to fully express themselves and set deep roots.
Hearty Poultry
Melissahof Hatchery represents dual-purpose, heritage poultry that thrive in Wyoming’s high-altitude, semi-arid climate. The heritage breeds, which produce both eggs and meat, are well-suited for cold winters with their thick plumage and low profile combs.
Hand-tended Garlic
Heirloom garlic is grown without synthetic chemicals on Melissahof. The poultry flocks provide insect control and manure fertilization for the garlic beds, and the garlic cover crops of nitrogen-fixing and pollinator-friendly plants improve biodiversity for soil and animal health.
The Rooster Story
For every hen hatched, there’s a brother. These roosters are affectionately known on Melissahof as the “McNuggets.” The female baby chicks and started pullets are purchased by Wyoming poultry keepers to lay eggs. Melissa ensures that the roosters hatched on Melissahof can play their role in our food system as sustainably-harvested chicken meat. Raised on pasture in mobile coops and supplemented on locally grown grain, these roosters contribute to the Melissahof holistic agroecology system before they “meat” their destiny as your nutritious, flavorful protein.
The Melissahof Difference
Melissahof is more than just a hatchery or farm - by considering the entire lifecycle of her poultry and garlic in relation to the natural ecosystem, Melissa Hemken truly produces - hearty poultry and wholistic eats
States to which hatching eggs shipped
Baby Chicks
Hatched per Year
pounds Of garlic grown per year
They're Clucking with Joy
fresh eggs
Mellisahof’s fresh eggs are amazing, the firmness of the yokes and fluffy texture make them absolutely delicious. I love frying them up and adding them to a variety of dishes. I have no idea how Melissa does it, but she has found the secret to delicious, fresh eggs.
Kelly Baxter
Successful hatches!
I purchased some hatching eggs for my broody hens & I cannot recommend her enough! The eggs were shipped fresh, came very quickly & were packaged so great! I had two VERY successful hatches (Half the eggs under a proven hen and half under a first time broody.) I now have a dozen very beautiful and healthy Salmon Faverolles and Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, & two very happy mama hens!
Danae
All the way to Hawai’i
The eggs made it in perfect condition and thank you for such a great job packing them. Gonna let them rest and acclimate for a day then set them in the incubator. Oh!!! Thanks for the extra eggs! Very much appreciated!
Dan
My sweet sleeping babies
Just a crazy chicken lady saying thank you for superior quality chicks!
Dari
Can’t wait for hatch day
I got the eggs today, they were packed so safely, and they are all perfect!!! Thanks so much!!! Can’t wait for hatch day.
Pam
Where to Find Melissahof
Melissahof heritage poultry, eggs and heirloom garlic bring extraordinary to your meal times. You can enjoy the Melissahof heritage when dining and shopping with our partners.
