We have loved having chickens. Our boys go out to play with the chickens and all of us love watching their silly antics. Ours free range so they get themselves into all sorts of mischief. By free ranging they also get themselves into all sorts of good food! And this impacts the health of the chicken and the health of the eggs.
We received some of our hens as chicks and some were already laying when a friend gave them to us. Those that were already laying had been kept in a very large chicken run and fed a diet of chicken feed with various grains, minerals, etc.
When we had our first eggs the yolks were a pale yellow, much like the eggs that are often in the store. After just a few weeks of free ranging we noticed a huge change in the eggs, the yolks have been getting more and more orange, indicating that they are becoming more and more healthy!
It is amazing the difference that comes with simply allowing the chickens to wander around eating bugs, grasses, etc. This also dramatically lowers the cost of feed. We still make some feed available occasionally, but the vast majority of their food is helping our property to have less bugs, while also helping to fertilize the soil.. :o)
With our baby girl recently turning four months old, we are especially grateful for this change as egg yolks are a great first food. It’s wonderful knowing that we will be able to give her this great start when she starts solids in a few months.
God’s creation really is amazing. When we let chickens be chickens, as God created them, it benefits everyone, they help the land, we have better food, and they are having a great time doing it!
3rd Culture Living 