Contact Windy Bluff Farm

 

Contact Windy Bluff Farm

We love hearing from our readers and fellow homesteaders!

Whether you have a question about goat/livestock/animal care, soap-making or a business inquiry please reach out.

Email us directly at: windyblufffarm@gmail.com

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Is the Egg Float Test Accurate? Why Fresh Eggs Float (and Old Eggs Sink)

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If you have ever searched for how to tell if an egg is still fresh, the internet will almost always give you the same quick kitchen hack: the egg float test . The rules seem incredibly simple—drop your eggs into a bowl of water, and if they sink, they are fresh. If they float to the top, you should throw them away. It sounds like foolproof kitchen wisdom, right? But looking at the actual poultry science, the egg float test is completely flawed—especially when it comes to pasture-raised heritage eggs. To prove it, look at this recent test right from our kitchen: P roof from the kitchen: The three eggs on the left are over a month and a half old and sitting flat at the bottom. The egg on the right is almost brand new and floating. Both are perfectly fresh and safe! If the classic water test is supposed to be accurate, why did our oldest eggs sink while our newest egg floated? Let’s look at the underlying poultry science, egg anatomy, and agricultural research. 1. Heritage Breeds vs. Prod...
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Coccidiosis and Sour Crop in 16-Week-Old Pullets: The Mid-Tennessee Summer Connection

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The Hot and Humid Perfect Storm Many chicken resources claim that coccidiosis is strictly a disease for baby chicks. However, humid summer environment advisories frequently trigger severe outbreaks in older birds—including both pullets and young cockerels over 16 weeks of age. All chickens naturally carry a low, baseline amount of the coccidia parasite within their systems without showing signs of illness. The illness triggers when the parasite begins to rapidly reproduce both inside and outside of the bird. The perfect environment for this explosion requires warm, humid, oxygen-rich, and wet conditions. The absolute optimum temperature range for the shed oocysts to rapidly multiply and accumulate in the environment is between 77°F and 86°F. Middle Tennessee summers fit this description perfectly, creating a high-humidity environment where the parasite population can quickly boil over once favorable conditions hit the ground. Where the Threat Hides in the Yard While hot sunlight can na...
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The 11° Morning Porridge: A High-Energy Healing Recipe for Winter Homesteading

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The Fire in the Jar: Farmhouse Wisdom and the Biological Design of Fire Cider

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Stewardship in the Storm: A Pre-Vet’s Guide to Winter Livestock Care

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Quanto Basta: The Art of the Tangy, Flaky Farmhouse Sourdough Biscuit

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The Cold Process Soap Method: A Beginner's Guide to Safe and Natural Soap Making

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Colloidal Oatmeal VS. Regular Oatmeal for Skin

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Beyond the Bowl: Why Processed Kibble Fails Your Dogs (The Ancestral Whole-Food Framework)

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Coccidiosis in Goats: Scientific Dosing Guide for Oregano Oil and Natural Prevention

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  Coccidiosis in Goats: Scientific Dosing Guide for Oregano Oil and Natural Prevention Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use and trust on Windy Bluff Farm. Author: Sarabeth Richardson. - BS Pre-Vet, Biology & Chemistry, Dairy Goat Farmer, Goat Breeder and Herbalist IMPORTANT HEALTH DISCLAIMER: While I have a formal background in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Biology, and Chemistry, I am not a licensed veterinarian. This information is based on personal farm experience and scientific research. Always consult with your licensed veterinarian before starting any new treatment protocol, especially in cases of severe disease or decline.   A breakout of Coccidiosis in your dairy or meat goats is never fun. Even with the best livestock management practices, cases still occur, especially during times of high stress like weaning . This article provides a...
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