Who knew we’d gain such joy from something so simple. Chickens have got to be one of the very first animals that come to mind when one thinks about a farm. What farm doesn’t have chickens? They’re practically the easiest animal to raise, they’re pretty self sufficient, just give them water, shelter, feed, sunshine and they will thrive! Loss is typically minimal if they have these basic needs. They’re friendly, active and so very entertaining.
But who knew our 15 year old son would take to these birds so quickly and become so attached. He truly loves his flock, he takes great pride in caring for them each day. He doesn’t want anyone else checking on them, feeding them, cleaning their coop. He loves to go out several times a day just to watch them peck around, he loves to see them come running when they notice him approaching the coop. They recognize him as their caregiver and they are so excited to see him coming as well. Even if he doesn’t go into their coop, they greet him at the fence waiting for him to acknowledge them, hoping he might have a treat for them, which most times he does. He loves to watch them grow, he loves to show his siblings and us how the eggs are all different not just between breeds but how they differ from bird to bird.
How could one know that the same breed could lay such different size eggs. He has one hen that lays an egg that’s almost three times the size of his other hens. Sometimes they’re double yolks, sometimes not. He loves the various colors of the eggs and has his favorite hens. He is thrilled to learn all he can when he has a sick hen or one that’s injured. We’ve gained so much knowledge as a family because of our sons devotion to his flock.
Who knew fresh eggs can sit on the counter unwashed for you to two weeks? And those same eggs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three months unwashed. If you’re one that would prefer to wash your eggs, they must be refrigerated and they’ll remain fresh for up to two months. But to our surprise they don’t taste as fresh once they’re washed and refrigerated. So we enjoy having our beautiful eggs sit on our counter in our little farm basket. The colors are so beautiful, the different sizes are amazing to us. It’s so nice to be able to reach over for an egg that has just been laid that day to crack open for Sunday morning breakfast and see it with its bright white and beautifully golden yolk. There is no better eggs than ones from happy, healthy, pasture ranged chickens that you are able to enjoy right in your very own back yard!
Darr Family Farm 