Easter Tradition!

I thought I'd share one of my favorite Easter traditions!

Looking at me, you probably wouldn't guess that I'm part Greek.  My great-grandparents came to America, arriving through Ellis Island, from Greece. Growing up, one of my fondest memories of Easter was the egg-cracking game.  As an adult, I've learned more about the symbolism of this tradition and have enjoyed continuing the tradition with my children. The fact that this tradition wouldn't be possible without the incredible, edible egg, makes it even better! 

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ, shed on the Cross, and the hard shell of the egg symbolizes the sealed Tomb of Christ— the cracking of the eggs symbolizes His resurrection from the dead.The egg is seen by followers of Christianity as a symbol of resurrection; while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.

The Rules:
The game is called tsougrisma (prounounced TSOO-grees-mah & means clinking together or clashing) (τσουγκρισμα in Greek) and it involves two players and red eggs.  Each player holds a red egg, and one taps the end of her/his egg lightly against the end of the other player’s egg. The goal is to crack the opponent’s egg. When one end is cracked, the winner uses the same end of her/his egg to try to crack the other end of the opponent’s egg.  The player who successfully cracks the eggs of the other players is declared the winner and, it is said, will have good luck during the year.  You just keep going until there's one person standing with at least one end of his/her egg still intact! 

In our family, the first person would say, Christos Anesti "Χριστός ἀνέστη!" - "Christ is Risen!" before clinking eggs with his/her opponent and the opponent would respond, Alithos Anesti "Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη!" - "Truly He is Risen!" or "He Has Risen Indeed!

It's a fun way to remember why we celebrate Easter and a great learning game for children.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

New Grub

Today I was reading up on chicken rations and found some info about flaxseed and how it aids in increasing the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in eggs.  

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for our health, however, our bodies can't make them.  We have to get them from our food or from supplements. Omega-3's are found in some plants, nut oils, and fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in brain function and normal growth & development.

The materials I came across also indicated that flax is beneficial to the health of the hens in addition to providing enhanced nutrients in their eggs.  I then began to wonder if it would be best to supplement flax in our scratch mix or to find a layer ration that has flax in it.  After discussing it with our Lifestyles Feed Specialist, Lynette, it turns out that whole flax is hard for any animal to digest so it would be more beneficial to the animal if it were ground into the feed.  Our discussion proved to have an added bonus because she turned me on to Purina's Layena Plus Omega3 layer feed.  Needless to say, I ordered some to stock at our store for myself and for others who may be interested in a feed that offers more than the current feed they are using.  The cost is only going to be about $1.50 more per bag and I feel it's well worth it! 

Here are just a few of the features and benefits of this product taken from Purina's website:

Formulated to produce 200mg Omega-3 per large egg providing 300% more Omega-3 than a typical egg!

Natural vegetarian formula without added antibiotics or hormones

Peace-of-mind – feed your birds like you feed your family

Superior Nutrition for strong healthy birds that lay plenty of wholesome eggs

Select level of marigold extract for rich golden yolks

Key levels of calcium and manganese for strong shells with fewer cracks

Optimized level of Vitamin E to support a healthy immune system

Has anyone out there tried this feed already?  If so, what are your thoughts?  If you haven't tried this feed, have you tried flax in your feed rations?  What has your experience been?



The FRESH Test!

Ever wonder how to test your eggs for freshness?  Wonder no more!  If you put your eggs in a bowl of water and they sink to the bottom, they are fresh.  If they bob in the water, they are still okay, but not for long.  If your eggs are floating, it's time to say goodbye!

Since it's National Egg Salad Week, I thought I'd pass on another word of advice.  Hard-boiled eggs can be kept in the refrigerator in the shell for 1 week, that's it!  Egg salad shouldn't be kept longer than 3-4 days.

Egg Safety for the Easter Holiday

Here's a quick video from the USDA about safely handling, storing and preparing eggs for the Easter holiday.  I heard from a farmer the other day that the brown eggs color beautifully; I'm excited to give it a try this year!

Labels, Labels, Labels!

You may have noticed that there are more options at the local grocery for eggs these days...  Regular (conventional) eggs, Cage-Free eggs, Free Range eggs, Organic eggs & Vegetarian eggs.  Have you ever wondered what all these labels really mean?  I aim to satisfy the inquiring mind, so here's the skinny on all those labels...

Conventional

These are the eggs that most consumers are purchasing.  They cost roughly $1.00-1.50/dozen and come in more generic packaging (no specialty labeling).  Many of the hens laying these eggs are given less space than a standard-sized sheet of notebook paper to live in and are often caged in battery cages.  There’s not even enough room to spread their wings.  Thankfully, after much public opposition, many egg-producers are moving from battery-cage systems to cage-free systems.

Cage Free

As stated, these hens are able to move about without being confined to cages. A significant improvement when compared to the confines of a battery cage; however, the absence of cages doesn’t always ensure high levels of welfare.  Cage free hens are often subject to crowded spaces (hens are housed together by the thousands), trimmed beaks (beaks are partially burned off to prevent pecking), no outdoor access, and early slaughter (slaughtered at approx. 2 years of age, less than ½ their normal lifespan).  There is no doubt that these hens live a less cruel life than caged hens; at the very least, they have the ability to spread their wings, lay eggs in nests and run about.  While I feel producers should do all they can to provide the best possible environment for their hens, to be fair, I must say that it would be near impossible for large producers to allow more luxuries than a cage-free system provides while continuing to supply the demand and sell eggs at a price most consumers are willing to pay.    

Free Range

This label gives the buyer a vision of chickens roaming freely on the green pastures of a rural farm.  Unfortunately, Free Range is an unregulated term and can be used by anyone.  All you need is a door that allows access to an outdoor area.  The size of that outdoor area could virtually be the size of a battery cage.  The only way to know that your eggs are laid by Free Range hens is to purchase them from a producer whose production standards can be verified or to raise them yourself.

Organic

Organic eggs come from hens that were fed an organic diet.  Again, it is my belief, that the only way you’ll be absolutely sure your eggs (or any food labeled organic for that matter) are truly organic is to purchase them from a producer whose practices can be verified or to raise organic hens/eggs yourself (which would include organically growing the feed that they eat).  Unfortunately, some of the food items the USDA considers to be organic are questionable.  For example, artificial sweeteners like, Neotame, are among the ingredients approved for organic food processing on the USDA’s list of “Certified Organic” food items.  Not sure when “artificial” became the new “organic”, but that’s just me.  By the way, I am not a die-hard organic food buyer, eater, grower, etc…nor are my hens fed an organic diet.

Vegetarian

These hens are fed a vegetarian diet (i.e. no animal fat proteins, meats, etc…). Let me point out that chickens are omnivores by nature, not vegetarians, and, if allowed, will eat bugs, grubs, worms, etc... If hens have access to the outdoors (which I feel is very important for the health and happiness of the hen), the chances of the eggs actually coming from a vegetarian chicken are slim to none.  So, if you want to ensure you’re eating eggs from girls that have seen the grass and mud of the Earth beneath their feet, Vegetarian labeled eggs are not for you.

Will Hens Lay Eggs Without a Rooster?

I was asked this question the other night by our waitress while out for dinner.  Although it may seem obvious, I must admit that I wondered the same thing before I researched the ins and outs of raising chickens.  I'm not quite sure how the subject of chickens came up, but it seems to be a common conversation I'm having lately.  Not only did our waitress give me the idea for this blog post, but she bought a dozen eggs which we dropped off at the restaurant the next morning for her...double bonus!  Thanks, Darla. 

The answer, you ask?  No, you do not need a roo to have eggs.  Just like human women, hens don't need a roo to ovulate.  However, if you want to hatch baby chicks, you will need a roo to fertilize the eggs you plan to incubate.  This fact is particularly eggceptional for those living in cities and towns where they are allowed to have a few backyard hens to supply their family with eggs.  They get the all the benefits of the fresh eggs without all the noise.  I'm quite certain the neighbors will be grateful there isn't a roo around too! 

We don't have a roo in our big hen house since we don't plan to hatch our own chicks.  We decided it was best to avoid having a roo since they can be a bit temperamental (and loud).  I didn't want to have to worry about the kids getting chased or bitten by a territorial roo! 

We do have one Silkie roo.  We thought he was a she and by the time we figured out she was actually a he, we were attached and decided he could stay.  Brooke, who Travis now calls Bert, is a bit bossy and dominating.  He keeps the Silkie hens in check and stomps around & crows often to let everyone know he rules the roost.  I must say that I am looking forward to spring so our Silkies can be moved from the garage to the backyard.  Brooke even crows in response to the boys' whines and cries.  The garage is a bit too close for comfort!  I may even let some of our Silkie hens sit on their eggs if they seem interested.  It might be fun to see how they do managing their brood. 

Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

How many times throughout your life have you heard/made reference to this question?  I came across an article at NYDailyNews.com that offers an answer from scientists in England who claim to have solved the mystery. 

The Answer?  Drum roll please... THE CHICKEN! 

Researchers wrote in a recently published report that it all comes down to one protein - ovocledidin-17 - which helps in the formation of the egg's hard shell.  This essential ingredient in the formation of the egg can only be produced inside a chicken, scientists from universities in Sheffield and Warwick concluded.

I am so relieved.  I've always suspected it was the chicken, but I was just getting my information from God.

Genesis 1:21-22 
21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that [it was] good.

22 And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 

And, if The Bible doesn't offer a good enough explanation for ya' ...maybe Sesame Street's Here Is Your Life (Carton of Eggs) will.

How do they do that?!?!

Ever seen a hen lay an egg?  Here's a video that takes you up close and personal.  Kinda' resembles child birth...don't ya' think?!

Eggs: To Wash or Not to Wash?

Most eggs that are purchased at the local grocery store come from large producers who wash & sanitize eggs before they go to market. Unfortunately, this process removes the natural protective bloom (a.k.a. cuticle) or covering that coats the egg just before it is laid. The bloom seals the pores of the eggshell and protects the inside from bacteria while reducing moisture loss from the egg. Some producers lightly coat the eggs with an edible mineral oil to mimic the natural bloom after the sanitization process, often giving the eggs a shiny appearance.

It's not possible for large production facilities to monitor the health and wellness of each and every hen, so they have to wash & sanitize the eggs. Buying eggs from a local producer often ensures that the natural bloom is still intact when the eggs go home with you.

Since I've always been one to trust God's ingenuity & I know the health of our hens, we only lightly rinse soiled Happy Hen eggs with warm water before packaging them. Oftentimes, the eggs are perfect straight out of the hen and require little to no rinsing which guards the integrity of the natural bloom. To support safe handling practices, you should rinse your farm fresh eggs just before use.

Fresh Eggs: From Farm to Table

I'm often asked, How long can I keep eggs in the refrigerator before they should be tossed?

Here's the official USDA guidelines for packaging eggs (click the link for additional USDA Egg Facts including a very helpful Egg Storage Chart).

Dating of Cartons

Egg processors typically print dates commonly called "Code Dates" on cartons for purposes of rotating stock or controlling inventory. "EXP," "Sell By," and "Best if Used Before" are examples of terminology used for code dating. Use of code dates on USDA graded eggs is optional; however, if they are used, certain rules must be followed.

If an expiration date is used, it must be printed in month/day format and preceded by the appropriate prefix. "EXP," "Sell By," and "Not to be sold after the date at the end of the carton" are examples of expiration dates. Expiration dates can be no more than 30 days from the day the eggs were packed into the carton.

Another type of code dating used indicates the recommended maximum length of time that the consumer can expect eggs to maintain their quality when stored under ideal conditions. Terminology such as "Use by", "Use before", "Best before" indicates a period that the eggs should be consumed before overall quality diminishes. Code dating using these terms may not exceed 45 days including the day the eggs were packed into the carton.

So, long story short, the eggs you buy at the grocery can be kept until they are 30-45 days passed the date they were packed into the carton. Farm fresh eggs that you purchase from local producers could be kept just as long; however, I recommend eating your Happy Hen eggs within two weeks from the date you pick them up. Keeping them longer would take the fresh out of Farm Fresh and it would just be plain silly (unless of course you plan to hard-boil them...then, the older the better if you'd like to be able to peel them)!

When you pick up eggs from us, the eggs will have been packed within 1-4 days of you scooping them up. We collect our eggs 2x/day and package them the same day. We also write the date the eggs were laid/packed on the carton.

Got Salmonella?

Compare the chickens pictured here with those in the video below...

Which hen would you prefer your eggs come from?



Regardless of whether or not the recent salmonella that has caused MILLIONS of eggs to be recalled came from contaminated feed, rodent feces, or the deplorable conditions that many of these hens are subject to during their egg laying years in battery cages on factory farms... it is my hope that this has been a HUGE wake-up call to the American public.

Local farm fresh eggs at the grocery store have been selling out ...fast. Many of the local producers that buy their feed at the farm cooperative where I work have expressed a dramatic increase in egg sales since the salmonella outbreak. Many of whom have added more hens to their flock to attempt to keep up with the demand.

Just in case you haven't been convinced that you need to start asking about where your eggs are coming from (not to mention your other food), here's a video depicting yet another factory farm exhibiting complete lack of concern for the health of the hens and the public who buy their eggs. I'm not sure about you, but just the thought of one of the eggs that I feed my children coming from a factory farm where dead hens are left to decompose right beside my egg has been enough to convince me to pay $3-$4/dozen to local suppliers until my happy hens are producing their salmonella-free eggs!

After all the salmonella recall news blows over and the grocery stores start selling carton after carton of 99 cent eggs again, just remember, you get what you pay for ... 99 cents gets you a dozen eggs that may have been collected next to the corpse of a rotting hen OR $3-$4 gets you a dozen eggs collected from a hen being treated humanely in a place where she has a space much greater than a standard-size sheet of notebook paper to roam!

Egg Shades

Once my ladies start producing eggs, I'll be selling egg shades for only $5.00/pair. It's really quite a steal; you can protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun for the day AND have a great meal packed with nutrients at the end of it all. What could be better? Just leave a comment below if you'd like to pre-order. These babies are going to sell fast!

Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I thought I'd share my enthusiasm about the many shades of eggs our happy hens will be popping out in just a few short months!


The Barred Plymouth Rocks, Speckled Sussex & Australorps will be producing eggs in various shades of brown...








The Welsummers will produce rich, dark brown eggs with speckles...

The Easter Eggers will be popping out eggs in beautiful shades of green, aqua, blue & maybe even pink!

The Wheaten Ameracaunas that we're adding to our brood this Sunday will brighten our lives with blue eggs.

And, last but not least... our little, fluffy Silkies will give us fun-size cream eggs like the one pictured in the lower right well of the egg carton.

Each day that passes, I find myself getting more and more excited about finding that first egg! This week, we are finishing the chicken condominium, trading our 2 Silkie roos for pullets, and picking up our 4-Wheaten Ameracaunas that I have longed for since the start of this project. I'll be posting step-by-step pictures of the coop build as soon as it's finished. I know you're all on the edge of your seats; I do appreciate your patience!

No More Factory Farm Eggs for Us!

A couple of weeks ago I watched an undercover video showing the abuse of dairy cows at an Ohio dairy farm filmed by Mercy For Animals (MFA).

Warning: if you have a heart, the images seen in this video are very disturbing.

http://www.mercyforanimals.org/ohdairy/

After watching the above video, I decided to torture myself further by looking on Youtube for other undercover video by MFA. I found the following video which gives an inside look at Ohio Fresh Eggs; I was in tears by the end of the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okTFzbsSFGs

These videos sealed my fate as a backyard chicken farmer. I wanted to know that my family wasn't contributing to the abuse of chickens by purchasing eggs from a factory farm EVER again. So, here we are, starting our own little hen house from the ground up. I'm hoping by posting our experiences, more people might be empowered to do the same for themselves and for the chickens.

Not only are we going to help the chickens by raising hens to produce our own eggs, we plan to purchase as many food products from local producers as we possibly can. For example, last month, we purchased 1/4 of beef from a local farmer. We know how the steer was treated and what he was fed while being raised. My mother-in-law raises meat chickens almost every year; we plan to participate in that process so we can pack several in our freezer each year. Working in the agricultural industry has its benefits as well. We are able to network with local producers to find what we're looking for. We also have plans for a garden in the future. I have to keep reminding myself...One step at a time. I think I may drive Travis bananas if I try to push too much at once, so for now, we're doing the chickens at home and finding local producers for the rest!

Since our pullets won't be egg producing hens for about 6 months, we have made a commitment to buy our eggs from local producers until our little ladies are pumping out their own rainbow of eggs for us.

Sit back and enjoy the ride. It should prove to be interesting, educational and, hopefully, inspiring!