Like any consumer I used to buy my free range eggs in a local supermarket; as a Vegetarian I bemoaned the habitual practice of having to remove the blood-spot from the yolk before commencing with cooking in whatever form. However in October 2015 and as a result of a family discussion involving my 4 year old daughter we decided to invest in our own hens in pursuit of the ultimate organic egg experience. So in October 2015 we purchased 4 hens from an Aberdeenshire breeder and brought home Archie, Pip, Daisy and Snowy to the rural idyll of Burnhervie. By the way, Archie and Pip are named in countrified honour of the Archers on BBC Radio 4 which I listen to with my daughter. Many months later and after omelettes and poached eggs aplenty I can tell the readers that the results have been amazing in terms of egg quality and taste; our hens lay 28 eggs per week with no blood-spots as they lead a stress-free life with complete freedom to roam; their yolks are deep orange and delicious and are far superior to the often paler versions one finds in general stores. You can buy a hen for £15 which is unbelievably inexpensive as it will lay on average between 5-7 eggs per week. In addition looking after hens has been educational for my young daughter and she helps me to clean the hen house at the weekend as well as handling the hens which builds individual confidence and her awareness of animal care.
As a family we love our hens and they produce the tastiest eggs; we will never buy eggs again!!