Comments on: How to Test the Freshness of an Egg

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 02:59:51 +0000

In reply to Samantha.

That’s so fun! I’m so surprised the Provo farmer’s market doesn’t have eggs! And as of right now we haven’t done chickens for meat but we do plan on at least trying it once we get more of a house and farm set up. I’m nervous about having to kill the chickens because I like them so much. It’s been one thing to kill 2 lambs and a pig to put in the freezer but I think it would be harder to kill quite a few chickens. I do want chicken in the freezer though. I buy just a little now but it’s something we’d definitely eat and would love to have more often.

By: Julie Clarke

Julie Clarke — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 02:20:24 +0000

In reply to Melissa. It is :-) - my mum has always had hens (of various breeds + roosters). When refreshing her brood she would incubate the eggs for 14 or so days and if there was a broody hen around she would put some eggs under her for the last week or so. The hen would end up with chicks (the chicks a mother) and be back laying before too long. Bantams are great for that kind of thing and make wonderful pets for young children.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 00:38:35 +0000

I used to buy all my eggs from a gal who had just a few hens here in Provo, but then she moved and I haven’t found anyone else in the city wanting to sell fresh eggs, even at the small farmer’s market in the summer. I look forward to when I can have my own little backyard chicken operation, because fresh, colorful eggs are one of my most favorite things! Also, have you ever raised meat chickens, and would you ever consider it?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 23:43:49 +0000

In reply to Julie Clarke. I've never had a broody hen! I think in the future I'll try to get a few breeds that are more likely to go that route because having a chicken hatch her own chicks sounds really easy :)

By: Julie Clarke

Julie Clarke — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 22:22:29 +0000

Hi Melissa, did you have a clucky hen that you could have put the eggs under when you had your power shortage last week? Incubating eggs can be so hit and miss but can be done successfully most of the year. Wait a week or so then get back on that horse and try again, sadly no hatching chickens for Easter but still the awe of watching life emerge from an egg for adults and children alike. All the best

By: Ana @ Lessons From Yesterday

Ana @ Lessons From Yesterday — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 18:24:08 +0000

We’ve actually had a lot of luck hatching chicks with broody hens. We’ve used Banty hens in the past, and last year we had a Barred Rock sneak off and hatch three chicks without us knowing it. She was a wonderful mother, and we moved them to a large pen on grass, so they would be protected but still have sunshine and grass while she kept them warm herself. We’re hoping to establish a sustainable dual purpose flock from her. I know it’s disappointing when eggs don’t hatch for whatever reason, but keep trying!

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 16:31:27 +0000

We do try to buy local/farm fresh eggs when we can. They definitely taste better than the store bought. I’m looking forward to checking out the Farmer’s Markets here in Kansas City when the weather warms up 🙂