Hi
Although I am an avid reader of your blog this is my first foray into the world of chat. I too have hens and mine too stop laying at the end of October. I do not provide artificial light over the winter and don't mind feeding them and the ducks during the darker days ( of Argyll) as the joys of egg collecting in the lighter months of the year is wonderful. however in the last three weeks I have been getting about three eggs a day from some new stock I got as chicks in the summer. I am delighted but somewhat puzzled to find that these eggs are blue. I thought at first that the ducks had ventured into the henhouse but no, they are definitely hens eggs. Any explanations? I have never seen blue hens eggs before. Incidentally they are fantastic with golden yolks.

 Thanks Toffeeapple and Gary.  At least I know now they are not too unusual.  They are still giving me beautiful and varying shades of blue, despite the cold and snowy weather which has me trapped as I cannot get my car out.  Not that I mind, I have my dogs, hens, ducks, red squirrels and lots of wild birds  ( and an abundance of wine) to keep me busy.  Merry Christmas

Well TA I am still iced in here - not had the car out for almost two weeks.  It's not new snow, but sheet ice and the gritters don't come into the estate where I live.  No one will drive to my house just now.   Anyway, no more blue eggs. This cold snap had put the hens off the lay.  Hoping for a thaw and more eggs very soon.