From a Wanna-be Homesteader
There’s a special thrill in collecting your first egg. That little bundle of protein represents victory, self-sufficiency, and all your dreams of a charming homestead come true. You can practically see yourself as a farm-to-table chef in your own kitchen! And then, you look outside and see what your beloved hens are up to, and suddenly you realize that fresh eggs come with their own learning curve. Here’s a little peek into the reality of fresh eggs and backyard chickens.
The Early Morning Egg-Laying Serenade
When you have backyard chickens, your alarm clock becomes a little…unpredictable. Each morning, they proudly announce their latest contribution to the homestead with a chorus of “BAWK BAWK BAAAWWWK!” as though they’ve just discovered fire. It’s their way of saying, “Hey! Look what I did!” It’s adorable for the first few days…until it’s 4 a.m., and you start wondering if anyone really needs eggs that badly. Remind yourself that this early-morning opera is the sound of fresh breakfast.
Playing Hide-and-Seek…With Eggs
It sounds simple enough, right? Chickens lay eggs in the nesting boxes, and you collect them. Easy. Except…sometimes chickens like to get a bit creative with their egg-laying locations. One day they’re laying in their cozy boxes, and the next they’ve decided the best spot is under the deck, in a bush, or somewhere else that requires an Olympic-level stretch to reach.
Pro Tip: If you’re losing track of eggs, consider “training” your chickens by always collecting eggs in front of them and rewarding them with treats. They’ll get the hint that the nesting box is where the magic happens (most of the time).
Even though our chickens nesting boxes in their coop, we sometimes still find eggs in their run, under bushes, or in a random corner of the barn. My one son calls that the best Easter Egg hunt ever!
The Battle of Chicken Vs. Garden
In theory, chickens and gardens are a delightful combo—chickens peck at bugs, providing natural pest control. In reality, chickens have a sixth sense for precisely which plants you’re hoping to harvest, and they’ll make a beeline for them every time. Got tomatoes? They’ll be pecking them. Have a bed of herbs? They’ll clear it like it’s a personal salad bar. Garden protection becomes a full-time job.
Pro Tip: Create a fenced area or a “chicken moat” to keep your plants safe. You’ll still get the garden help but with a lot less nibbling of your precious produce.
Fresh Eggs: The Rainbow of Possibilities
One of the best parts of raising backyard chickens is the beautiful variety of eggs. Depending on the breed, eggs come in colors from pale blue to rich chocolate brown, with speckles or no speckles at all. There’s something magical about opening a carton that looks like a pastel rainbow rather than a uniform beige dozen from the store. And the flavor? Unbeatable. Fresh eggs have brighter yolks, a creamier texture, and a richer taste that makes every omelet, quiche, and scrambled delight taste gourmet.
Pro Tip: Store your fresh eggs in a cool place but avoid refrigerating them immediately, especially if they haven’t been washed. That way, they stay fresh longer thanks to their natural protective coating. I use an old Keurig coffee pod storage system with 3 pull out drawers, keep the oldest ones in the bottom drawer, and rotate them down as I use them.
This egg holder for the fridge is a great thing to keep them on the counter in as well.
Egg Overflow: When Supply Outpaces Demand
The truth about fresh eggs is that you’ll go from zero to “What am I supposed to do with all of these eggs?” faster than you’d think. Chickens can be prolific layers, especially in spring and summer, and you’ll suddenly find yourself scrambling (literally) to keep up with the bounty. While it’s exciting, it also means you might need to get creative in the kitchen.
Embrace egg-based recipes! Quiches, frittatas, custards, and homemade pasta are all fantastic ways to use up your egg supply. And, hey, why not become the egg fairy in your neighborhood? Friends, family, and neighbors will be thrilled to help you out of an egg overflow situation. After all, who says no to fresh eggs?
If you’re up for it you can whip up a cool farmstand to put in your front yard and sell eggs, baked goods, and any overflow from your garden harvest. I did this in the summer and I’ll write more about it in another blog, so make sure to subscribe to my email list to keep up 🙂
The Occasional Surprise Double-Yolker
Every now and then, you’ll crack open an egg and be greeted by the rare sight of not one, but two yolks! It’s like finding a little golden treasure in your morning breakfast. Double-yolkers happen more often in young hens, whose laying cycles are still adjusting. Each one feels like a tiny reminder that nature has its surprises, and they’re almost always delightful.
Fun Fact: Some cultures believe double-yolkers are good luck! Or just an excuse for an extra-rich breakfast.
Final Thoughts: Why Fresh Eggs Are Worth the Chaos
Raising chickens and collecting fresh eggs isn’t just about the food—it’s about connecting with the rhythm of nature, embracing a bit of unpredictability, and savoring the simple pleasures of homesteading. Fresh eggs have a flavor and richness you can’t find in a grocery store, and they come with their own quirky benefits, from morning serenades to egg hunts. Even with the occasional garden raid or 4 a.m. wake-up call, there’s something deeply rewarding about knowing where your food comes from and being a part of that process.
There is a lot more to raising chickens that just this. I’ll write about our losses, problematic predators, hours of untangling chickens from fishing line, and much more. All in all it is still worth it!
So if you’re dreaming of that farm-fresh lifestyle, I say go for it. Just be prepared to embrace the early-morning excitement, the egg hide-and-seek, and the endless scramble to keep up. In the end, it’s all part of the egg-venture.