Eggs

Depending on the breed, hens will start laying eggs between 4 and 7 months of age

• Early eggs will be small
• Early eggs may be double-yolked or shell-less
• If the hens don't have enough calcium, egg shells can get soft or be absent. If this happens, increase calcium by:
  • give yogurt or add leafy greens to their diet
  • grind up egg shells and mix with their food
• Store eggs pointed side down to keep the air sac at the base of the egg up and the yolk centered in the egg (for longer storage)
• Wipe down dirty eggs or thoroughly wash eggs right before use; Eggs have a protective coating called the BLOOM or CUTICLE that keeps bacteria out; this can wash off if washed too vigorously