Backyard Chicken - Week 18: Welcome to Adulthood

Week 18: Welcome to Adulthood

Most laying breeds are considered adults when they turn 18 weeks. Most excitingly, this is the time when many hens will lay their first egg.
Things to do this week:
Introduce layer feed. When birds reach 18 weeks old or when the first egg arrives, slowly switch hens to a complete layer feed. It is important to make the transition over time to prevent digestive upset.
For our hens in Missouri, we mix the starter-grower and the layer feed evenly for four or five days. After that, stop adding the starter-grower feed and just continue to add layer feed. If the layer feed is in crumble form, you can transition a little faster. If you are switching to the pelleted layer, it may take a little longer for the birds to recognize the new feed form.
Teach hens to lay in nesting boxes. After a hen begins laying eggs, it’s her tendency to lay in the same spot moving forward. Create several comfortable, clean and cozy nesting areas to prevent hens from becoming competitive in the coop. Then, show hens to the nest boxes. Some hens may easily find the boxes themselves, while others may try to hide eggs in other places. Place a golf ball or fake eggs in the nesting boxes to give them the idea of where to lay.
Watch for your first egg. The first eggs may be irregular. They are sometimes small, have soft shells, have no yolks or double yolks. After a week or so, egg production should become more consistent, with peak performance at about 30 weeks of age.
Collect eggs frequently. Now it’s time for the thrilling part of raising chickens: a daily treasure hunt for eggs! Gather eggs 2–3 times per day. Frequent egg gathering serves two purposes. First, it helps keep the eggs clean by reducing exposure to environmental bacteria and potentially eliminating the need for washing. Second, it lessens the opportunity for hens to learn the bad habit of egg eating. This is when a hen finds a broken egg, tastes it, likes it and begins breaking eggs.
Store eggs based on preference. The decision to refrigerate eggs is a personal preference. Eggs are laid with a protective layer called a cuticle, which helps keep bacteria out. This natural barrier means that eggs can remain unwashed and stored on the counter at room temperature.
Washing eggs removes the cuticle; therefore, washed eggs should be refrigerated to prevent contamination. If you choose to wash your eggs, be gentle and quick, using water only. Be sure to use water that is warmer than the egg. Dry and cool the eggs as quickly as possible.
Fresh eggs that are stored on the counter should be used within a few days, while refrigerated farm fresh eggs can typically last up to 30 days.
Chicken Breeds
Buff Orpington, Welsummer, Buff Orpington, Speckled Sussex hens.
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