So, I thought things were settling down after I moved the flock that was being eaten by an unknown predator from the back field to the field by the house. But then the hot weather hit… well, what?… 3 days of heat?…. Just enough to put the hens off… the number of eggs produced dropped, and of course, my sales increased. Ain’t that always the way? Come on girls, get with the program!! People want your eggs!
Few Good Eggs
Anyway, it seems the chickens are slowly getting back to normal but the refrigerator has been almost empty most of this past week as often as folks stop by. I’ve taken to checking for eggs every few hours to make sure there is always something for someone to buy. Which got me thinking.
Doing a Google search to find out how long a hen lays eggs brings up opinions from 2-5 years. That’s a pretty big range. So, knowing that the size of the egg increases with age, and my girls are… were… producing quite a few Extra-Large and Jumbo up until last week, it’s possible they are close to the end of their productivity. But up until the “heat wave” they were going strong… so who’s to say?
Just to be safe (I’m a “belt and suspenders” kinda person), I ordered more chicks. Originally I planned to wait another year. But what the heck. The chicks arrive next week. It takes 5 months before a hen lays her first egg, so I figure, chances are, it’s good timing. They will mature while the days are getting shorter, which is good for layers, and they should begin to lay in the middle of winter when the production is at it’s lowest from the older flock.
I’ve ordered the usual hybrid kind that are really good egg producers, but a part of me is thinking I should switch to a heritage breed next time. It’s the: “if the world as we know it came to an end tomorrow, how would I survive” mentality… A heritage breed is reproducible, in terms of traits, generation after generation, but they tend to be less productive than the hybrids. The hybrids are mutts which in the first generation, is apparently consistant in their traits for great egg laying, but subsequent generations wouldn’t be.
Then there is the perspective of just keeping a breed from becoming extinct. Humankind seems to be wiping out all diversity rather systematically. Or maybe I’m just paranoid.
Will ya look at all these breeds?!?!
But, it may be a good way to spend the winter…. researching breeds for the future. If anyone has any strong feelings about heritage vs. hybrid feel free to leave your comments.
Meanwhile, I’m cleaning out the brooder in the barn and off to the feed store to get bedding.
Linda, I just bought a flock of Delaware chickens a few weeks ago. They are beautiful, BIG, and VERY good layers of large brown eggs. After doing some research, they are probably the best dual-purpose breed on the more endangered end of the spectrum, BUT, a surprising number of traditional american breeds, such as the Rhode Island Red, are actually considered threatened heritage breeds by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. It turns out Americans have not been the best to preserve their poultry breeds or interest other countries in them.
Now, one caveat, if you order hatchery stock Rhode Island Reds and try to call them heritage, most will laugh in your face. Hatchery stock, even in Delawares, usually resembles the true heritage breed very little. It would take some research to find a breeder that is trying to preserve the true nature of the breed, but it's a good feeling to have these special birds, and well worth it.
Thanks for your thoughts on the issue of heritage breeds. Interesting point about the hatcheries. I know the Araucanas are listed as “not for exhibition” as they are just cross breeds as well, but the other breeds aren't noted that way. How'd you find out about it? I'll have to keep it in mind and look for an individual breeder. Have fun with your Delawares!
Oh Linda, are you not familiar with Backyardchickens.com?! There's quite an education available on that forum in regards to these matters. LOL, and be forewarned, do NOT call the colored-egg laying chickens at the hatcheries “Ameraucanas”. They are “Easter Eggers” according to those in the know! (I have no idea how this chicken snobbery started rubbing off on me…)
Hey, thanks! Great site. I think I've buzzed thru it a while back but missed the forum section before. Will give it a try.