Mystic Meadows

About our chickens

At Mystic Meadows, our flock began with intention and a whole lot of heart.

As lifelong animal lovers, we carefully sourced and handpicked our chickens from private sellers, choosing breeds based on temperament, heat tolerance (Arizona life!), their unique needs, and yes… the joy of colorful eggs. I originally dreamed of “tasting the rainbow,” and while half of our girls lay beautiful shades of brown ranging from soft blush to deep chocolate, we’re also gifted daily with different shades of blue, green, and pink treasures too!

We’ve raised our flock of over 40 chickens from tiny chicks. They roam our property freely from sunrise to sunset, soaking up sunshine, scratching in the dirt, and living very full chicken lives. They are strictly our pets and companions, never livestock in the industrial sense. Many of them love to snuggle, and we absolutely kiss those little combs more times than we can count.

They are deeply loved. They eat organic feed, enjoy fresh air, and are part of our family rhythm every single day.

How & Where to Buy

You can find me in person most Sundays at the Waddell Farmers Market.

You’re also welcome to message me directly through the website to coordinate local pickup or delivery options.

$9 per dozen

Specialty or seasonal items may be available throughout the year.

In the spring, we may offer limited incubated eggs, hatchlings, and chicks. If you’re interested in growing your own backyard flock, feel free to reach out.

Follow the Flock

Want to see daily chicken antics, egg color reveals, broody drama, and behind-the-scenes farm life?

Follow along on our family friendly TikTok where we share the real-time adventures of our “little dinosaurs.”

TikTok: @myflockofdinosaurs
https://www.tiktok.com/@myflockofdinosaurs

You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram through the icons located at the bottom of the page.

Come be part of the farm family.

What to Expect from Farm-Fresh, Unwashed Eggs

Our eggs are intentionally left unwashed to preserve their natural protective layer.

What is the “bloom”?

Before a hen lays an egg, she coats it in a natural, invisible layer called the bloom (or cuticle). This thin, waxy coating seals the shell’s pores, helping keep bacteria out and moisture in.

In the United States, commercial eggs are washed and sanitized, which removes this bloom and requires refrigeration. Because we leave our eggs unwashed, that natural protection remains intact.

Safe Storage Guidelines

• Do not wash eggs until you’re ready to use them. Washing removes the bloom.
• Unwashed eggs can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, or longer in a cool, dry space.
• Refrigerated, unwashed eggs can last up to three months.
• If you wash an egg, it must be refrigerated and used within about two months.
• Store eggs pointed-end down for longest freshness.
• Once refrigerated, keep them refrigerated to avoid condensation forming on the shell.

Normal & Beautiful Characteristics of Farm Eggs

Because our flock includes roosters, some eggs may be fertilized. This does not affect taste or safety. Unless an egg is incubated at 99.5°F for at least 24 hours, no development will occur.

You may notice:

• A small “bullseye” on the yolk (blastoderm) in fertilized eggs
• A chalky or muted shell color from a heavy bloom

• Scratch marks on bloom from hen scratching
• Cloudy egg whites in very fresh eggs
• White stringy strands (chalazae) anchoring the yolk
• Occasional small blood or meat spots, which are safe to remove and eat

These are all normal signs of a healthy, fresh egg.

The Float Test & When to Discard

You may have heard that if an egg floats, it’s bad. That’s not always the full story.

As eggs age, the air cell inside naturally grows larger, which can cause the egg to stand upright or even float. Floating simply indicates that the egg is older, not automatically unsafe.

For a more detailed explanation of why farm-fresh eggs float and what it actually means, you can read more here:

https://eggsafety.org/floating-eggs-a-bad-egg-or-just-buoyant/

The most reliable way to assess any egg is to crack it into a separate bowl and check for an unusual odor or appearance. A fresh egg will not have a foul smell.

Discard eggs if:

• The shell is cracked
• There is a strong, unpleasant odor when opened

When in doubt, trust your senses.

Meet part of our flock

Peaches

This is one of our roosters. He is a Splash Silkie. He is very sweet and was hatched with his sister Lemon and does a decent job of protecting her and "keeping her in line". lol Silkies aren't typically known for their intelligence, but he even keeps some of the standard size hens in order.

Jesus

This is one of our hens. She is an Australorp, which has now become one of my favorite breeds. She is the sweetest and quite obsessed with the kids and I. This is the story on how she got her name. When she was a baby chick she began not eating, drinking, or moving at all. Out of fear of her being sick I gave her her own bin and kept the food and water right next to her. Well two weeks past and it was Easter. I went to take care of all the chicks and noticed she was running around her bin wanting to be with the others! Turns out she must have had a broken leg, because in hindsight there was a chicken that got stuck in the corner of their brooder box and I had to carefully remove her. It's amazing how resilient chickens are. So grateful she's here, she brings so much joy and excitement!

Stormy

This is one of our hens, she is a Sapphire Gem and now another one of my most favorite breeds! Her and her sister "Fluffy" loved to be held and adorned with kisses. They are pretty independent and reliable with egg laying. But they are very social with my kids and I.

Jay

This is one of our roosters and he fell asleep in my daughter's arms. He is a White Leghorn. He also has a brother named Jack. "Jay" was "Jill" until we realized 'she' was in fact a 'he' when he began crowing. lol He does a great job of keeping the flock safe and he has zero tolerance for the kids messing around near them. Him and his brother alert everyone when they spot a Falcon, Hawk, or Owl. He really takes his job seriously and that means a lot to me!

Egg Orders