Melissahof

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.

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.

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.