Meet Liam McGregor. Liam is the Chief Eggsecutive Officer of Munger Place Natural Egg Company. Only six blocks from my house (less really), Liam raises backyard chickens in Munger Place where he lives with his family and a menagerie of pets… A young Dr. Doolittle? Maybe so. One thing’s for sure, his chicken operation is impressive.
The garden is not half bad either.
What you see in the picture above is an off-the-grid ecosystem. The chickens not only provide eggs, but they produce rich manure fertilizer for the raised beds and serve as a natural exterminator by eating insects in the backyard compost and garden.
Liam became interested in chickens while attending preschool in College Station. Now at age thirteen, chickens are a big part of Liam’s life. Last December, he began selling eggs to Munger Place neighbors. His brood currently totals thirteen and includes several ancient breeds— Silkies, Rhode Island Reds, Frizzle, Polish and Barred Rocks.
According to Liam the most fun thing about keeping chickens is the chickens themselves. Each has her own language, he says of his all female chicken population. They “talk” to each other. And they have unique personalities just like people.
This is Princess, a beautiful white Silkie.
And the most difficult thing about being an egg entrepreneur? The time requirement. Liam (a busy seventh grader at William B. Travis) also plays violin and lacrosse, so my Mom helps out a lot, he says.
Eggs are harvested each morning and immediately washed and refrigerated. The chickens lay about 8 eggs a day. Liam’s customers are patient and willing to wait for fresh eggs. The rules of purchase are simple—leave an empty carton on Liam’s front porch with contact information, and arrangements will be made to deliver when the eggs are available. Eggs sell for $0.30/each, $1.80/half dozen or $3.60/dozen.
Proceeds go to the Liam Doesn’t Get An Allowance Fund.
Beautiful eggs, great variety.
Sounds like a great cause!
For additional information, email Liam or his mom at [email protected].
To read information on backyard chickens and the many benefits, click HERE.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Chickens aren’t background animals like fish or sheep or horses. Chickens are in-your-face animals. Chickens if you have them, come to bracket your days. The rooster hollers all morning, and then in the evening the hens have left you their mysterious gift of eggs. – Jeanne Marie Laskas
Talya, this is interesting to know that the Dallas city ordinances allow raising chickens. I have friends in and around Searcy who do this as a hobby (and for eggs).
Dot – The city of Dallas allows chickens but no roosters:) Chicken farming has become very popular here! I would love to have chickens. Maybe someday…
Talya
Wonderful post..
Beautiful web site.
John G
John I am flattered to discover you sought out my blog and took the time to comment. Thank you! T.
Good for Liam! I think he will go far in the world! BTW….Great pictures!
I think you are right Colene!
I love fresh eggs. Spent $3 on a dz from my vet. Worth it. Go Liam!!!
What an impressive young man! Thanks for sharing his story with us.
can’t beat fresh eggs, and I’ll bet the farm that he don’t be wasting time playing video games!
So happy to see and hear about more people raising chickens and also gardening. I grew up in a time when neighborhoods were filled with these and more. Congratulations to Liam and his chicken raising and gardening.
Great story. I love fresh eggs. Wish there was a Liam nearby.
This guy impresses me! People keep chickens in Little Rock, too, but I think our neighborhood has rules against it. His operation looks nicely enclosed so they shouldn’t bother anyone. Wish I were close enough to buy eggs from him. I noticed his garden right away, too. Nice post.
I want to have some chickens so bad! But being on the road, there is just no possible way. I have all these great plans for when I officially retire the road job though. 🙂 I love seeing this series!! So much uniqueness to East Dallas! Lots of hidden gems for sure!