Hongye Village in Wanrong Township, Hualien, has recently developed a new community industry that combines chicken farming, elderly care, and local tourism through the “Hongye Welfare Egg Production Cooperative.” Supported by the Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley National Scenic Area Headquarters, the newly launched “Hongye Welfare Egg Half-Day Tour” allows visitors to gather wild herbs, feed chickens, collect eggs, and make egg rolls while learning about the Truku people's culture of mutual support.
Visitors can experience gathering wild herbs, feeding chickens, collecting eggs, and making egg rolls in Hongye Village（Photo／Hualien-Taitung Rift Valley National Scenic Area Headquarters）
The cooperative centers on elderly residents, who use idle land to raise chickens. The project not only creates additional income but also helps maintain social interaction and daily routines for seniors. The cooperative currently has 20 members, and each person raises chickens according to their own physical ability.
The farm uses a low-density free-range system to raise French Isa Brown laying hens. Natural plants such as Indian borage, houttuynia, and Spanish needle are used to help maintain chicken health while reducing the use of chemical medications.
During the tour, visitors can enter the herb area with guides, experience gathering plants to feed the chickens, and learn the egg collection process. The cooperative also operates a support system in which members help care for one another's chickens when someone becomes ill or temporarily unable to work.
