Tips for New Hen Owners

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March 10, 2017 - Author: Michigan State University Extension

Know your hens
  • Egg laying breeds of chickens typically begin laying eggs around 20 weeks of age.
  • A good goal for first year laying hens is four eggs per week per hen.
  • As your hens age, their nutrition requirements change. Tip: switch to layer feed at 20 weeks of age.
Caring for your flock
  • Clean, fresh feed and water should always be provided. • Waterers and feeders should be kept clean.
  • Nest boxes may be introduced at 17 weeks of age to help encourage hens to lay eggs in these clean spaces.
  • Collect the eggs at least once a day, more often in hot weather.
  • Control rodents, flies and beetles around your hens.
  • Keep your coop’s bedding and nest boxes dry.
  • Change and refresh your hens’ bedding weekly. Tip: dedicate one pair of shoes for this task.
Cleanliness
  • Do not use eggs that are excessively dirty.
  • Wash all eggs before they are put in the refrigerator. Tip: use a brush and water that is warmer than the egg.
  • Always wash your hands before and after you interact with your hens! Salmonella, a bacteria that can make people sick, can spread from your hens and their eggs to you.
Get involved
  • Michigan State University (MSU) Extension has many hands-on opportunities for youth (5-19 yrs. old) to learn more about poultry through 4-H.
  • Contact your local MSU Extension office to find out about programs in your area. Visit 4h.msue.msu.edu to explore opportunities, msue.anr.msu.edu/county to find your county office or call 888-678-3464.
  • Sign-up for the MSU Extension Poultry Newsletter to get poultry-related news and events delivered right to your inbox. To subscribe, text “MSUE” to 22828 or visit msue.msu.edu and click on “Newsletter Sign-Up.”
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Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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