Tips for New Hen Owners

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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.

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.

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.

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.”

Small and Backyard Flock Resources: articles.extension.org/poultry
Michigan State University Extension: 888-678-3464 msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/poultry msue.anr.msu.edu/program/info/4h_poultry
Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development: 800-292-3939 www.michigan.gov/aviandiseases

MSU Extension