Eggs, Eggs, Eggs.

How many eggs will a hen from each of these two groups lay?
Very Rare Breeds, as an example our sebright bantams, maybe 30 eggs (spring only). Our other large fowl very rare breeds can vary between, 100 to 150 per year (sometimes)A good quality traditional pure breed around approx.200 per year.

And Hybrid Laying  Poultry?
Developed and bred over 100years, with the emphasis was on laying good sized quality eggs consistently and in high numbers. You should expect 300 to 300+ the first year and a slight decrease in amount each year following. By year 4 or 5 you will notice usually a fair drop in numbers, but although less frequent, the eggs will be even larger.

Anything else about laying?
Yes pure bred poultry will lay less eggs and will normally stop laying in the winter months, but should have a longer laying life. Hybrids will lay in greater numbers throughout the year, but there laying life may be a little shorter.

Do your New Isa Warren Hybrid  Hens lay brown eggs?

Yes they do …..good size and top quality.

Do all hens lay brown eggs?

The brown egg layer is the popular choice in the UK and most European countries. But in USA, the preference seems to be for the white egg....and therefore the white egg layer.

Do brown eggs taste better than white eggs?

No. And if they come from your own hens they will taste wonderful.

I have been told FRESH EGGS from your own hens taste really special?
Whether it is a simple boiled, or fried egg, you and your family will immediately notice the difference. If you are into home baking, or making your own bread or ice cream or custards, you will wonder why you did not get your hens sooner. 

Why does the shell from my boiled eggs that I use for salads stick to the eggs when I peel them?

Too fresh !! Leave the eggs you intend boiling hard for your salads a week or so....and then boil them. The shell then will easily peel off.

Never had that problem with shells with the eggs I used to buy from the supermarket.

Exactly....(see above.)...."too fresh".

If hybrid hens are such good layers, am I not going to have a problem with "too many eggs" if I buy too many hens?

I think I said this previously, we have yet to meet any past customer where that has been a problem.

So what happens to "excess" eggs?

You can use them, sell them, or to your special friends and family, give them away as a "wee pressie" when they visit. Nearly everyone will pay a premium price for fresh free range eggs.

I would like to get my children involved.

Your children wil instinctively become involved and their own enthusiasm will be carried on to their school......and when other mums hear you have hens and fresh eggs....be prepared !!

Is this not exploiting my children?

No....keeping hens and "selling eggs". It is all part of the learning process part. It also teaches them values. It encourages them to be active. It gives them an interest. It stimulates development of new skills (eg cooking)......and finally.....they are good at it !! 

A good way for them to earn their pocket money?

Yes.... pocket money...holiday money and a wee/big "nest egg" for special times.

link to....FAQ....sexing chickens.