Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
turn the eggs every day to avoid deformities. Some incubators are mechanically designed to
turn the eggs, which is beneficial because it will turn them all equally at the same time each
day.
However, do not count your chickens before they hatch because not all eggs will hatch. Em-
bryos are delicate and, for a variety of reasons, may not make it to the last stage of develop-
ment. If you have children, it might be best not to tell them exactly how many eggs you
ordered or what day they are arriving to prevent any disappointments a cracked egg might
cause. A good activity to do with kids is to have them follow the growth of the chick and pre-
dict how many eggs will hatch. This prepares them for the possibility that not all the eggs will
hatch and helps them focus on the positive side of hatching the eggs. Everyone anticipates the
day the baby bird chips its way through the shell and emerges into the world. Soft baby chirps
are delightful, and eggs are a fun way to start on your journey of raising chickens.
CASE STUDY: PROPER HANDLING OF EGGS: FROM
HEN TO CONSUMPTION
Phillip J. Clauer
Poultry Extension Specialist
Animal and Poultry Sciences
Used with permission from Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State
University.
To ensure egg quality in small flocks, egg producers must learn to properly handle the eggs
they produce. This article will discuss how you can ensure that your eggs will be of the
highest quality and safe for consumption.
A. LAYER HOUSE MANAGEMENT
The condition of the egg that you collect is directly related to how well the flock is managed.
Feeding a well-balanced ration, supplementing calcium with oyster shell, water, flock age,
and health all can affect egg quality. However, since these factors are covered in other pub-
lications, this fact sheet will place emphasis on egg quality and handling after it is laid.
1. Coop and nest management
• Keep the laying flock in a fenced area so they cannot hide their eggs or nest anywhere
they choose. If hens are allowed to nest wherever they choose, you will not know how
old eggs are or with what they have been in contact, if you can find them at all.
