I live in Northern Indiana, my flock is free range, organic and kitchen scraps fed. I allow them to die of old age. I have many hens and 1 of my 2 roosters (Joseph) and many of my hens are more than 12 years old and the girls are still laying strong. They know they are my pets but shy away from strangers. I find talking to them and telling them "Thank you girls for the good eggs, and thank you too boys for doing your jobs" does make a differance. They lay year round and I keep a light on 24 hrs year round for them. They don't lay as well if friends tend to them if I am out of area for a bit. Rather funny. I raise many Araconna and have lots of beautiful many coloured and freckled eggs. They sell fast. You can keep eggs 3 plus months in the frig. I have kept them hanging in a basket in my kitchen for 2 plus months in mild temperatures with no trouble. Store bought eggs ARE washed in bleach water. Remember eggs breath. That bleach water IS getting into the egg white and yolk. Never use regular soap to clean. I use Mrs. Myers organic dish soap. A couple of drops to sink full of water. Air dry on a matt.
I live in Northern Indiana, my flock is free range, organic and kitchen scraps fed. I allow them to die of old age. I have many hens and 1 of my 2 roosters (Joseph) and many of my hens are more than 12 years old and the girls are still laying strong. They know they are my pets but shy away from strangers. I find talking to them and telling them "Thank you girls for the good eggs, and thank you too boys for doing your jobs" does make a differance. They lay year round and I keep a light on 24 hrs year round for them. They don't lay as well if friends tend to them if I am out of area for a bit. Rather funny. I raise many Araconna and have lots of beautiful many coloured and freckled eggs. They sell fast. You can keep eggs 3 plus months in the frig. I have kept them hanging in a basket in my kitchen for 2 plus months in mild temperatures with no trouble. Store bought eggs ARE washed in bleach water. Remember eggs breath. That bleach water IS getting into the egg white and yolk. Never use regular soap to clean. I use Mrs. Myers organic dish soap. A couple of drops to sink full of water. Air dry on a matt.