The Joy of Farm Fresh Eggs
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After purchasing our hobby farm, one of the first things we decided to do was buy some chicks. We started by building a chicken coop from the wood of an old smoke house that had fallen down. After raising the chickens, we decided to let them free range on the property. They love scratching in the pasture and at the edges of the woods to find seeds, bugs, and plants to eat.
In addition to eating bugs, they lay wonderful farm fresh eggs. We were so excited when we saw that the chickens were laying little eggs. It took some time and encouragement, but we finally convinced them to lay the eggs in a nesting box like a proper, civilized chicken.
Every day our beautiful chickens go sit in the nesting boxes and lay these healthy, brown eggs. Then they spend the rest of the day foraging around our small hobby farm.
How Often do Hens Lay Eggs?
When chicks are about 6 months old, they will start laying eggs. Hens will lay 1 egg about every 26 hours, which is roughly one egg every day. So, the time of day that they lay will change because chickens don’t lay at night. They also need about 14 - 16 hours of daylight for good egg production. In the winter months when there is less light, the egg production may slow down. Spring and Summer is the time of year with the most abundant eggs.
Once they are about 18 months, hens will slow down egg production, but they don’t stop laying. Most backyard chickens will lay for 5 to 7 years producing an egg every 2 or 3 days.
Should I be Refrigerating Fresh Eggs?
A large reason why we refrigerate our eggs depends on whether they have been washed. Egg shells are naturally porous with thousands of tiny holes. Washing eggs removes the protective layer called the cuticle which can allow bacteria to enter the shell. So, all washed eggs need to be refrigerated to discourage bacterial growth.
The second reason we refrigerate most of our eggs is because it extends their usable time. A refrigerated egg can last 45 - 60 days whereas one kept on the counter only lasts around 20 days.
If the eggs are dirty, you can use a little green scrub pad to dry clean the eggs. If you do need to wash your eggs, use warm water and don’t use soap or bleach. Then, dry then before storing them.
How do I know if an egg is bad?
We use the “float test.” We fill a bowl with water and place the eggs in one at a time. If they are fresh, they will lay on the bottom. If they need used, they will turn vertical. If they are bad, the will float and need to be thrown away.
Are farm fresh eggs healthier?
Probably. Because the plants and diet of pasture raised chickens vary from one farm to another, it can be hard to find scientific studies that compare them to conventional eggs. One small study did show that eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:
1⁄3 less cholesterol
1⁄4 less saturated fat
2⁄3 more vitamin A
2 times more omega-3 fatty acids
3 times more vitamin E
7 times more beta carotene
Free Range Eggs Benefits
Even though I can’t prove that my chicken’s eggs are healthier, I feel that they are much better. The yolks are a beautiful orange-yellow color because they free range on pasture. The flavor is rich and full with a real egg taste. They are better to cook with as well. They are firmer which is easier to cook with for eating, and they make faster and stiffer egg-white meringue.
(updated 2020)
