Tips for getting tasty eggs from backyard chickens

Dear Martha: I'd like to raise chickens. Which breed of chicken is best for egg production, and do you have any tips?

A: It's not so much about the breed of chicken as it is about how you're going to keep them. You absolutely must have a well-fenced yard, so raccoons and other animals don't get the chickens; the fence should extend 12 to 14 inches into the ground. The coop will need electricity to run a light and keep their water from freezing in winter; you can also get a heated water dispenser.

I let my chickens out every day, no matter the weather. All the feed is organic, and I give them scraps that I would otherwise compost, such as apple cores and carrot peelings. We also hang cabbages on wires throughout their yard and in their houses. It gives them something healthful to eat, and they peck the cabbages, not each other. If they are well-fed, they will lay. I've had good luck, and the eggs are utterly delicious.

Dear Martha: I've inherited quilts stitched by my great-grandmother. How can I safely remove stains from them?

A: If your quilts date from the 19th century or are made from sensitive materials such as silk and wool, it's best to seek out a textile specialist. Brittle, damaged, or heavily soiled items should also be taken to a professional. To find someone in your area, consult the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, which provides a list of conservators on its Web site, www.conservation-us.org. Or contact a local museum, and ask to speak with the textile curator. She might be able to recommend a qualified restorer, says Laura Fisher, whose New York gallery specializes in antique quilts.

If yours are cotton and were made in the last century, you may be able to spot-clean or hand-wash them yourself if the patterns are colorfast. First, test each one by applying several drops of water to an inconspicuous area and then pressing with a white cloth to see if the dye bleeds. To tackle most stains, dab with a gentle cleanser and rinse. Rust, however, is trickier. Commercial rust removers, available at fabric or hardware stores, can lighten stains on white or colorfast linen or cotton but may damage some materials, especially older, more delicate ones. Plus, spot cleaning can leave some areas noticeably brighter than others.