by Blair Madole

Shelby’s Happy Chapped Chicken Butt Farm is an Animal Welfare Approved farm based in Broomfield that produces chicken eggs. Though the name certainly raises eyebrows, the more intriguing aspect of the farm is its founder, 12-year-old Shelby Grebenc of Rocky Top Middle School.

Shelby began her education about chickens when she was six, performing basic chores like feeding and watering her family’s small flock. When her mother was in a nursing home receiving care for multiple sclerosis, Shelby decided to increase her small flock to a full-blown, egg-producing business in order to earn some extra money. Shelby is now the youngest farmer to have met the strenuous regulations set by the Animal Welfare Approved program, which certifies that her flock of around 130 laying hens is raised and cared for under the highest standards.

The name of the farm was inspired by a group of neglected chickens that were dropped off on Shelby’s doorstep one day. Apparently, when chickens aren’t fed they begin to peck at each other’s, um, butt regions, which causes severe chapping. Hence, the “Chapped Chicken Butt” part of the name. Though Shelby is successfully running an Animal Welfare Approved farm, a feat few older farmers have accomplished, it is nice to see she has retained some of her childlike sensibilities.

Speaking of chapped butts, it will be interesting to see the reaction of other local farmers who have not achieved the Animal Welfare Approved status. Who knows, maybe Shelby’s success will incite the old-timers into more animal-friendly action. If not, maybe their chickens will make a break for it and head to Shelby’s haven.

Though Shelby sells her eggs mostly to neighbors or people who stop by her farm when she isn’t in school, her small operation is still immensely impressive. Heck, most of us at age 12 were either focused on our first crush or battling acne and braces and giving very little thought to where eggs come from. It’s nice to see the younger generation is taking an interest and gives us hope that America’s farming future will be bright.

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