Tag: eggs

Orpington

The Orpingtons are very sweet, and friendly, and are seldom bullies towards the other members of the flock. However, living in the desert where the temperatures reach well over 110 they have proven their tolerance for heat to be quite low. Especially considering they can be broody and won’t leave the coop where temperatures can be life-threatening. Every situation is different and they may be fine as free-range chickens with plenty of shade and water.
Details of the Buff Orpington:
Type:   Large Fowl & Bantam
Size:   7-8 pounds
Purpose:   Dual (meat or egg production)
Recognized Varieties:   Buff, Black, Blue, White, (buff is most common.)
Eggs:
Color:  Brown
Size:  Large
Frequency:  3-4 per week
Breed Features:
Feathered Legs: No
Crested: No
Comb Type: Single Comb
Number of Toes: 4
Character & Traits:
Accepts confinement well
Cold Hardy
Heat tolerant to 100 degrees
Docile, friendly
Broody / Setter
Good layers through the winter

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Tiny Blood Spot in a Chicken Egg, What Does it Mean?

Many people believe that a blood spot in a chicken egg means that it is fertile. I’d like to clarify that misconception and explain to you exactly what it is. First of all, these eggs are nutritionally just fine to eat, and there’s no need to be grossed out either. A blood spot in the egg does NOT mean it’s fertile.
When you crack open an egg and see that teeny tiny blood spot, be assured it is nothing more than a ruptured blood vessel on the yolk surface that happened during the egg formation process. Or, sometimes in the wall of the oviduct. If the blood spot bothers you that much, it will stick to your finger if you lightly touch it. Out of sight, out of mind!

eggs
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Thin Shelled and Brittle Eggs

Why and What to Do About It

About 95% of the egg a hen lays is calcium carbonate by dry weight. Over a year, the calcium she puts into her eggshells could equal 20 times the calcium that’s in her bones. So it only makes sense that a steady supply of calcium will help her stay healthy and produce strong eggshells.
I suggest ground oyster shells, and I recommend putting them in their own container so the hens can take what they need. They like them, they’re readily available in feed stores, and they’re not expensive.
Feed Variances and Calcium
If your hens are fed high-quality layer feed and get nothing else, their calcium intake is probably sufficient. But if they’re in the yard, fed table scraps and scratch feeds along with commercial feed, they are good candidates for a calcium supplement.
Note: Only feed oyster shells to hens already laying eggs.

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