A trap nest is a nest box that has a door which automatically closes when the hen enters it to lay an egg. There are a number of different designs for the automatic doors that involve different (sometimes quite ingenious) trigger systems, usually mechanical. Trapnests have a couple of uses. For one, it lets you know […]
How to wash chicken eggs?
The best way to get clean eggs is to avoid letting them get dirty in the first place. But there are times when that’s not always possible. How to Keep the Eggs Clean To get clean eggs to start with, keep fresh bedding in the nest boxes, and plenty of it. Remove soiled bedding as […]
Why Aren’t My Hens Laying Yet?
One of the most common reasons, particularly in late fall or winter, has to do with light. Most chickens are very sensitive to the amount of light they get and need 14 hours of light in order for the egg laying hormones to be activated. It does vary some by breed, but 14 hours is […]
When do chickens start laying eggs?
The short answer is that most of our breeds will start to lay at around 5 to 7 months. For example, our Black Australorps layed their first egg when they were 26 weeks old (6 months) and were laying very well by 7 to 7 1/2 months. Though you can buy hybrid layers from various sources that will […]
How can I get my hens to start laying in their nest boxes?
If your hens are laying their eggs in the floor of the coop or hiding them outdoors, here are a few suggestions: Since hens tend to look for a dark place to lay their eggs, position your nest boxes on the darkest wall of your chicken coop. Try to avoid having light from your chicken […]