I've stored eggs in waterglass for up to 8 months with very little deterioration in quality. The only thing you can't do with waterglass eggs is boil the. they explode.

We always used lights as feeding non-producing hens organic feed and no eggs for 6 months just doesn't make financial sense on a homestead. The hens always paid their way and we made sure they had the very best feed and conditions because as you said, laying eggs takes a lot out of a bird.