Why are the hens losing their feathers?

They are going through the natural process of molting which is the shedding of old feathers. During molting, which lasts about 1-2 months, they will stop laying eggs and resume once the molting process is complete. Hens molt around the average age of 14 months, however molting can be triggered by other factors such as cold weather and decreased light.

Why are the whites of the eggs more watery in the winter?

An egg customer noticed that some of the egg whites were not thick, but watery and the yolks were separated from the whites and wondered if this was a problem. We contacted our feed supplier to check on this as we thought their diet might be the cause. Our feed supplier assured us that the feed we are giving the hens is appropriate for the winter, containing the right amount of protein and calcium. However, he suggested that what may be causing this is the cold weather.

When a hen lays an egg the temperature of her body is about 102˚ . She is laying this egg into very cold temperatures (usually 35-40 degrees in the henhouse). Such cold temperatures may cause yolk separation from the whites. This is very common and has no effect on the nutritional value of the egg.

What can be done to prevent this?
In large commercial operations they gather the eggs and let them sit in room temperature for 24 hours prior to washing and packing. Currently we are not setup this way and may consider making some changes for next winter.

Hen Fun Facts

• Hens lay 1 egg every 1 ½ days.
• They LOVE bug hunting.
• Hens don’t need Roosters to lay eggs, just to have chicks.
• They live about 8 years. Most eggs are laid the 1st 2 years.
• Hens start laying eggs when they are about 5-6 months old.
• They eat feed, fruits, veggies and bugs.
• Hens do not have teeth.
• They can catch colds and get frost bite.
• A Hen can lay more than 600 eggs in her 1st 2 years.
  

What is the white stringy stuff inside of an egg when you crack it?

The strands are the chalazae which anchor the yolk in the center of the thick white.

They are neither imperfections nor beginning embryos. The more prominent the chalazae, the fresher the egg.

Chalazae do not interfere with the cooking or beating of the white and need not be removed, although some cooks like to strain them from stirred custard.

Source: Frequently asked Questions about Eggs, http://whatscookingamerica.net/Eggs/FAQ.htm

The hens are getting bored in the winter, what can we do?

A couple of things, we have noticed as well as some of you...the hens are getting bored! This tends to happen in the winter when they don't like to venture out as much, so we are going to do some things on our end to help entertain them, such as hanging cabbage, carrots, etc. in the coop.
If you would like to help them from getting bored feel free to bring any unspoiled, organic vegetable or fruit scraps for them during your shift. The scraps must be organic to meet the regulations for organic certification. PLEASE do not bring onions, meat and dairy. If you do bring any scraps go ahead and throw them around the inside or even the outside coop.

Why is there blood on the outside of the egg shell?

This is most likely caused due to the following:

This is often the result of straining on the part of the hen, where large eggs are involved. It may also be the case with a pullet first coming into lay. Avoid giving pullets too much artificial light until they are well grown before the commencement of lay.If the shells have small spots of blood on them, rather than streaks, then suspect the presence of red mites. Treat with an anti-mite preparation from the vet or specialist suppliers.

Source: Broad Leys Publishing, http://blpbooks.co.uk/articles/egg_problems

I get bloody ones every now and then too. I was worried at first, but I think as long as it is a once and a while thing, and the hens are all acting okay and healthy, it is fine. Their plumbing is lined with a lot of blood vessels, so if one gets rubbed just the wrong way... I'm amazed that they don't bleed EVERY time they lay an egg, especially the big double yolk ones!

Exactly- the egg chute is lined with blood vessels and it's easy for a young layer to break one. However this is something you can do to help her, and your other hens. From time to time provide some oil or fat for them in feed or treats. Wild bird suet is good for this. This will enhance the feathercoat, add calories for winter and lubricate the skin and all membranes, including those in the egg chute. She will love you for this!

This hen may have been a little tense in the cold air- heat tends to dilate the chute. Just a momentary shiver could have popped a blood vessel. Please let us know if this clears up.

Source: Backyard Chickens Forum, http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum

Blood spots on the yolk are not uncommon, even large one's. They are unappetizing but harmless to both the chicken and the cook. Blood covered yolk would mean an egg has been partially incubated and is unusable. As for the egg shell itself. Blood on the outside of an egg shell means the hen has popped a few blood vessels in the vent which is not unusual with a young pullet. The egg produced may have been a bit larger than she normally produces and ruptured vessels on exit. It is usually not a problem unless she continues to bleed long after laying the egg. If you can identify the hen that laid the egg you can ease things for her with a daily application of lubricant, even a little veggie oil will help her pass the egg cleanly. You will however need to make sure some of the oil gets into the vent about 1/2 inch inside. She will fuss and protest and it will take one person to hold her and one to administer the lubricant. You can dispense with this if the hen is indeed very young as it will correct itself within a few days. Remember to boost calcium and protein for these birds to encourage proper egg formation.

Source: Chicken and Roosters, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_can_a_blood-covered_chicken_egg_mean

More About the Learning Farm

The Prairie Crossing Learning Farm

The mission of the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm is to educate and inspire people to value healthy food, land and community through experiences on our farm. The Learning Farm is one of the only organic farms in Lake County to offer educational opportunities to children. It uses three acres of land, several greenhouses, a children's garden, and a henhouse as outdoor classrooms. Learning Farm education programs rely on a staff that has expertise in both agriculture and teaching.

The Learning Farm is located within Prairie Crossing, a conservation community in Grayslake, Illinois, widely recognized for its preservation of open land and sustainable agriculture.

We offer a variety of programs at our farm. For more information visit our website at http://www.pclearningfarm.org/.

Why this blog?

We created this blog to better communicate with our Henhouse Helpers and others who volunteer their time to help care and tend to our flock of hens. We receive many questions/comments and/or observations regarding the hens. This blog will allow us to post these questions and respond so that all can be informed and learn about our hens.