Eggs!

While living in Massachusetts, we were inspired by friends who already had chickens and began planning for our own flock.

David, being the intellectual sort of guy, studied until he had found the right housing design.  The coop was perfect after we hitched one corner to the back of the minivan and pulled it square.  The gate was a masterpiece–it’s probably still there.

When they were old enough, we moved the chickens into their Taj Mahal and quickly learned something:  chickens can fly!  Right over the top of their beautiful fence and gate and into the surrounding woods.  Being responsible chicken owners, we began a nightly ritual–the chicken round up.  Little girls included, our family would fan out through the woods, chasing the birds back to their home.

We’ve learned a few other things since then.

First, perfect isn’t necessary.  Our chickens are content wherever they choose to be:  in the big barn, the little barn, the backyard, the goat pen, sitting on the goats’ backs, and even wandering occasionally into the house.  They will be wherever they want to be.

Second, chickens will come home at night all by themselves–imagine that!

Third, we want them to wander–well, to most places.  Wandering hens mean far fewer pesky insects.  Wandering hens tidy up after everyone else–our own cleaning and composting crew.  Wandering hens eat a richly varied diet and lay the most delicious eggs you’ll ever taste.  And nutrition?

Compare the eggs I purchased at a local store to the ones I took from the nests today. Can you see the difference? Which would you choose to buy?

It turns out that yolk color has everything to do with what a hen has eaten.  Besides being high in Omega 3’s, the darker the yolk color, the higher the number of carotenoids it contains.  These antioxidants help form vitamin A.  Dark yolks are the trademark color of a hen who’s diet includes plenty of plants and insects.

You could also be enjoying our eggs by becoming a Love Led Farm regular customer.  Until we have enough for roadside service, let me know how many you would like and how often.  I will have them waiting for you at the farm.

*North Pointe Apartment residents–your eggs are waiting for you in the Community Room kitchen.

Someday we will have a more organized containment system–not perfect mind you–just less chaotic.  Still, I think there will always be a few hens roaming around the farm.  Feel free to stop by and say hello to the girls.  Just a word of warning, though:  better bring your boots.