Question 1

What does pasture-raised mean when it comes to chickens and eggs?

Accepted Answer

At our farm, we take great pride in our pasture-raised chickens and the exceptional quality of the eggs they produce. But what exactly does "pasture-raised" mean, and how does it benefit the eggs you receive?

Pasture-raising means our chickens are free to graze and forage throughout our 4.5-acre pastures from sunup to sundown. They are not confined to indoor cages or limited outdoor runs like "cage-free" or "free-range" chickens. Instead, our hens have the freedom to roam, explore, and feed on the natural bounty of our land – from bugs and vegetation to the various flowers and trees that dot the landscape.
This free-ranging lifestyle not only allows our chickens to engage in their natural behaviors but also has a direct impact on the quality and purity of their eggs. By grazing in open pastures rather than confined areas, our hens are exposed to lower levels of their own waste and potential contaminants. This keeps worms, parasites, and other harmful organisms at bay, resulting in eggs that are exceptionally clean and wholesome.

In addition to their pasture-based diet, our chickens are also fed a natural, organic feed free of hormones, steroids, and antibiotics. We do not give our chickens steroids or antibiotics, and we further supplement their well-being with proactive treatments like diatomaceous earth, garlic, and cayenne pepper. And to ensure the health and safety of our flock – and yours – we maintain the highest biosecurity measures on our farm.

The end result is a chicken and an egg that not only looks beautiful, with its vibrant yolks and unique color variations, but also embodies the purity and nourishment of nature's finest.

Question 2

How do you utilize sustainable practices in gardening and farming?

Accepted Answer

Our gardens/crops:

* Our crops are grown in either our permaculture (no-till) garden, or in our raised garden beds (with soil from Royal Oaks farm - encouraged and approved by Bedford County's Master Gardner).

* We utilize worm composting and fertilizer from our rabbits.

* We only grow what is local to the season in our area, and we rotate our crops each season.

* We do not use herbicides, pesticides or any chemicals of any kind on our land, and in/outside our gardens.

* We do not use plastics around our crops - we hand weed around our crops.

* All our seeds are either organic or heirloom.

* Our fruit trees are never sprayed with chemicals or herbicides.

* Our fruits, vegetables and herbs are picked at the peak of their harvest time.

Our animals:

* Our chickens are pasture-raised.

* We practice rotational grazing with our goats. This means we move them around throughout our pastures once a week so they can eat the different weeds, bushes and grass that is available to them. When they are finished with that area, we move them to a different location and the process is started all over again.

* Our honey bees are not treated with oxytetracycline, tylosin, lincomycin, thymol, and fluvalinate.  If we have to feed them sugar during the winter season, we feed them organic sugar. We allow our bees to eat more of what they produce, and we use beetle traps, frame bags, powered sugar, thyme oil to mouse guards in order to keep pests out.

Question 3

What chicken breeds do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of beautiful and productive chicken breeds.
 
Here are some details about each breed, including their egg color:
​
Ayam Cemani:
The Ayam Cemani is a striking and rare breed originating from Indonesia. These chickens are known for their jet-black feathers, black skin, and even black internal organs. They lay cream-colored eggs.
Black Copper Marans:
Black Copper Marans are renowned for their rich, dark brown eggs. These chickens have beautiful black feathers with copper accents. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are good for both egg production and meat.
Blue-Laced Red Wyandotte:
The Blue-Laced Red Wyandotte is a visually stunning breed with a unique pattern of blue and red feathers. They are known for their friendly and docile nature. These chickens lay brown eggs.
Cream Legbar:
Cream Legbars are known for their charming feather crests and blue or green eggs. They are an active and hardy breed, and their eggs are highly prized for their beautiful colors.
Bielefelders:
Bielefelders are large and robust chickens originating from Germany. They have beautiful black feathers with a green sheen. These birds are excellent layers of large brown eggs.
Whiting True Blue:
Whiting True Blue chickens are known for their striking blue feathers. They are a crossbreed that consistently lays blue eggs, making them a favorite among egg enthusiasts.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben:
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a unique breed with a distinctive V-shaped crest and elegant feather patterns. They are good layers of white eggs and are highly active and attentive birds.
Blue/Black/Splash Ameraucana:
Ameraucanas are known for their fluffy cheeks and tufts of feathers on their ears. They come in various colors, including blue, black, and splash. These chickens lay blue eggs.
Langshan, Blue/Black/Splash:
Langshans are large and majestic birds with glossy black, blue, or splash-colored feathers. They are known for their calm and gentle temperament. Langshan hens lay large brown eggs.
"Sunflower" Olive Egger:
The "Sunflower" Olive Egger is a hybrid breed that results from crossing specific parent breeds to create chickens that lay olive-colored eggs. These friendly birds are a delight to have in any flock.
"Olive Empress" Olive Egger:
Similar to the "Sunflower" Olive Egger, the "Olive Empress" is another hybrid breed that lays beautiful olive-colored eggs. They are known for their friendly nature and excellent egg production.
"Laced Blue Belles":
"Laced Blue Belles" are a crossbreed known for their striking blue feathers with lacing patterns. They have a calm temperament and lay brown eggs.
"Emerald Queen":
The "Emerald Queen" is a hybrid breed that lays eggs in various shades of green, resembling the color of emeralds. These chickens have a lovely appearance and are consistent layers.
 
We hope this overview helps you in selecting the perfect chicken breed for your homestead, farm or family. Feel free to ask any further questions or let us know if you need more information. You can purchase our chickens or their eggs in our shop.

Question 4

What animals do you have this season?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, we have...

* Two bunnies (one a Netherland dwarf) that gives us plenty of organic fertilizer and makes really adorable baby bunnies (which we sell around Easter Season).

* A various amount of different breeds of chickens.

* Seven adult Nigerian dwarf goats - Three females and four males.

* Quails

* Ten honey bee hives

Question 5

Do you sell any of your animals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We sell baby bunnies, goats, chickens, and quails, aside from our farm-fresh eggs. Baby bunnies usually are available in the Spring time around the Easter holiday. Stay updated on our latest furry friends for sale on our social media pages. Or you may reach out to us at Bluehillsfarmva@gmail.com.

Question 6

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

If you're local to the Bedford County area:

Go on our "Shop Local" page and place your order there. We will always be updating our shop of what we do and do not have in stock at the moment. Depending on where you live within the area, we can deliver or meet you in close range. You can also choose to pick up your eggs, chicken(s), or other ordered produce directly at our farm/egg stand (Monday's and Sundays), or when we appear at local venues, farmers markets and other events. Simply email us or send us a message for special requests on one of our contact forms and we'll get back to you very shortly since messages are sent directly to our phone devices.

If you're not local to the Bedford County area, that's okay...

Go on our "Shop Local" page and place your order there. We will always be updating our shop of what we do and do not have in stock at the moment and the season. Live chickens, chicks, and uncooked/cooked meat is unfortunately not available for shipment. Check out each product description on whether it's available for shipment in your area on our "Shop Local" page.

Question 7

I'm local and ready to pick up my order ...

Accepted Answer

For our valued local customers who have placed orders with us, we're pleased to offer seamless pick-up options that cater to your schedule.

If you have not specified a preferred delivery method during your purchase, we will have your order ready for you to pick up directly from our farm stand on Sundays, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This Sunday pick-up option is available for all orders placed during the preceding week, from Monday through Saturday.

Additionally, for those customers who place their orders on Sundays, we will have your order ready for you to collect on the following Monday. This ensures that no matter when you submit your order, you can conveniently retrieve your farm-fresh goods at our on-site location.

If the Sunday or Monday pick-up times do not align with your schedule, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at Bluehillsfarmva@gmail.com. We'll be happy to work with you to arrange an alternative time or day that better suits your needs. After your purchase, you will receive detailed information about the exact location and directions to our farm stand in your order confirmation email. This will ensure a seamless pick-up experience.

We appreciate your support and look forward to providing you with the freshest, highest-quality farm-to-table products. If you have any other questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Question 8

Shipping and receiving my eggs ...

Accepted Answer

* We make sure to pick the freshest batch of our eggs the very day we plan to ship them out to you.

* Before shipping out your colorful eggs, we package each egg in bubble wrap within their container, meticulously seal them in a box and address each box as "fragile." You'll also have directions included in your package for care.

* All eggs that are shipped will not be washed before shipment. But no worries, because your eggs will have what is called a “bloom” or “cuticle.” It is an invisible protective membrane over the shell that seals the egg from oxygen and bacteria. Grocery store eggs do not have this protective layer, so they do not last as long.

* We do not ship eggs outside the United States.

* We strictly adhere to the United States Postal Service conditions regarding the shipment of eggs.

* Shipping costs for sending out your eggs (which is the cost that is added to your egg purchase) can amount to anywhere from five dollars to up to fifteen dollars depending on where the eggs will be traveling, what box will be used to package your eggs, how your eggs are packaged, to how many eggs will be shipped. We will specify the shipping cost amount within the description of each listed egg choice for purchase in our shop.

* The time and date you will receive your eggs, after your purchase, will also depend on where you live. We use the United States Postal Service when shipping eggs.

* We try our very best to make sure your eggs will not arrive broken or cracked. If you receive broken or cracked eggs, please contact us immediately so we can make refund efforts. We would just simply ask that you send us photos.

Question 9

How do I care for my eggs?

Accepted Answer

If your eggs are shipped to you via Postal Service:

Do not wash your eggs until you are ready to eat them or place them in the refrigerator. They can be left out on your counter for up to three weeks or even up to one month depending on where you store them unrefrigerated. It’s best to store your eggs away from bright light and consistent moisture if left out on the counter. If you decide to place them in the refrigerator unwashed, unwashed eggs last about three months in the refrigerator. If you decide to wash your eggs before storing them in the refrigerator, make sure they are dry before placing them back in the container or another container of your choosing. And to wash them, carefully rinse and scrub them in warm water (with or without soap).

If your eggs are locally purchased:

If you purchase our eggs locally, at our farm stand, or on our online shop for local pickup, you can have the choice of them washed or not washed before purchase. If your eggs are already washed, washed eggs last about two months in the refrigerator. We'll indicate on your egg carton whether your eggs are washed or unwashed, or you can indicate your preference in the note section at checkout.

Question 10

I have a special request/order.

Accepted Answer

We are happy to accommodate any special requests pertaining to an order or what our farm has to offer. Please reach out to us: Bluehillsfarmva@gmail.com. Thank you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

What does pasture-raised mean when it comes to chickens and eggs?

How do you utilize sustainable practices in gardening and farming?

What chicken breeds do you offer?

What animals do you have this season?

Do you sell any of your animals?

How do I place an order?

I'm local and ready to pick up my order ...

Shipping and receiving my eggs ...

How do I care for my eggs?

I have a special request/order.

Contact

Store Policy

​IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

What does pasture-raised mean when it comes to chickens and eggs?

How do you utilize sustainable practices in gardening and farming?

What chicken breeds do you offer?

What animals do you have this season?

Do you sell any of your animals?

How do I place an order?

I'm local and ready to pick up my order ...

Shipping and receiving my eggs ...

How do I care for my eggs?

I have a special request/order.

Contact

Store Policy

IMPORTANT INFORMATION