11/08/2025
Many of you may have noticed our recent radio silence here, and we owe you all an explanation. Things have been rough lately, and as someone who prioritizes both the health of my flock and being honest with my customers, I want to be upfront with everyone and get straight to the point:
Ellis Acres Farm will be closing, until further notice -- and we aren't quite sure when that will be. We are hoping it is sometime next year, but the world doesn't always work in our favor.
Our flock was recently diagnosed with MS (Mycoplasma Synoviae) and ILT (Infectious Laryngotracheitis), two very contagious diseases affecting the respiratory systems of birds. Late last year, after one of our birds passed, we had a necropsy done and went on treatment for MS. After receiving a diagnosis we immediately stopped selling birds from our flock, deciding to keep a closed flock until we could decide on our next steps.
The next few months were rough for us. A bobcat wreaked havoc on one of our flocks and the stress of the attacks took a toll on the birds, which is when we really started to see the affects of the two diseases. Birds were dying, and they were suffering - it was horrible to watch. With no vet that treats chickens nearby, I immediately called the State Veterinarian to see if there was anything I could do.
After a brief chat, we agreed - for the safety of flocks nearby, wild birds, and on the most humane thing for our flock - that our flock had to, unfortunately, be culled. I was, and still am, heartbroken, and devastated - however, as someone who views my birds as pets, I know I'm doing what is right for them. Continuing to let them suffer would only be inhumane.
We are sadly saying goodbye to the flock we've had with us for nearly 13 years here, with the promise that we can clean up when this is all done, and start again. Farm life is so, so rewarding - but it is also devastating. This is one of those moments that really makes you ask if it's all worth it.
Thank you all for all of the support you've shown this Farm. We hope that by next year around this same time we should start getting eggs again - this time with a healthy, NPIP/AI certified flock where we'll prioritize friendly birds. If you have ever purchased hatching eggs or chickens from us in the past, I highly encourage reaching out to a Vet near you or the Kord lab in Nashville to get your flock tested. I deeply apologize to have to deliver the news this way. Feel free to reach out to us on Messenger.
Signing off for now, Ellis Acres' owner, Sarah. 💐
