Returning from our recent trip to Arizona, we were eager to see how our backyard chickens had fared under the care of our daughter. To our delight, the chickens were thriving, and the eggs were plentiful. With over six 18-count cartons waiting for us, it was clear that our little flock had been busy. This abundance of eggs offered a perfect opportunity to delve into some culinary experiments, particularly boiled eggs and perhaps even deviled eggs.
Understanding Egg Freshness
One of the fascinating aspects of raising chickens is learning the intricacies of egg freshness. An egg’s ability to stand upright or lie flat in water can tell you a lot about its age. A fresh egg will sit flat on its side, while an egg that’s one to two weeks old may start to lift slightly at one end. This simple test is a handy trick for anyone raising backyard chickens, ensuring that you’re always using the freshest eggs for your cooking.
Before storing our eggs, we make it a point to clean them thoroughly and place them upside down in the fridge. This small step helps in maintaining the egg’s freshness for a longer period.
The Culinary Adventure: Boiled and Deviled Eggs
With a surplus of eggs at our disposal, we decided to venture into making boiled eggs, and if all went well, deviled eggs. While the process was not without its challenges—peeling boiled eggs can be a test of patience—the outcome was rewarding. Deviled eggs, with their creamy, tangy filling, make for a delightful treat, embodying the joys of backyard chicken keeping in each bite.
Tending to the Backyard Flock
Raising chickens is not just about the eggs; it’s about creating a conducive environment for the chickens to thrive. Our water system, albeit with a minor leak that needed fixing, ensures that our chickens have access to fresh water at all times. Observing the chickens enjoying their space, one can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
Feeding the chickens is another aspect we cherish, especially using fresh greens from our yard. Although we can’t allow them to free-range due to our dogs and the lack of grass, we make do with what we have, ensuring they’re well-fed and happy.
The Challenge of Maintenance
Maintaining the chicken coop and nesting area is an ongoing task. Ensuring cleanliness and ease of access, especially when collecting eggs, can sometimes be challenging. We encountered a few hiccups with the nesting box design, which we plan to address to make egg collection smoother.
Looking Forward
As we continue to develop our property in Arizona, we dream of expanding our backyard chicken venture, possibly allowing for free-ranging in a more controlled environment. The journey of raising chickens has been a blend of learning, challenges, and immense satisfaction, especially when it culminates in simple pleasures like enjoying homemade deviled eggs.
Raising backyard chickens is more than just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that brings us closer to nature and self-sustainability. We’re excited about what the future holds for our little flock and look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and here’s to many more delightful experiences with our backyard chickens!
We were gone for almost 3 weeks to develop our off grid property in AZ. Our 10 hardworking chickens provided us so many eggs while we were out!! Now what? We cooked some, kept some and we gave away to 4 families in our neighborhood!! #backyardchickens #raisingchickens #deviledeggs