How to Raise Chickens for Brown Egg Production
Brown eggs are a delicious product of chickens. While brown eggs do not differ from white eggs in nutritional value, their appealing brown color is popular for baking and cooking. Brown eggs are not as abundant as white eggs in grocery stores so it may pay to raise your own brown egg laying chickens.
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Instructions
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Brown eggs are usually laid by brown, black or other dark colored chickens. A popular breed for brown eggs is the Rhode Island Red, a dark reddish brown chicken. The Black Australorp is a large, shiny black chicken and the Barred Rock has alternating black and white stripes. A good source of information for brown egg laying chickens is the website www.mcmurrayhatchery.com. Murray McMurray Hatcheries will ship chicks or juvenile chickens to most parts of the United States. Brown egg laying breeds may also be purchased from local feed stores.
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Baby chicks will require a brooder. This is an area that keeps the chicks warm. Brooders may be purchased or built. A simple brooder may be set in a draft free shed or garage and uses heat lamps. The baby chicks will require a suitable water fountain and chick starter feed. Depending on weather conditions, chicks may require the brooder until they are 5 or more weeks of age and fully feathered.
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After leaving the brooder, the young chickens will require a shelter, protection (from dogs and other predators), chick starter feed and fresh water. Most brown egg laying hens will begin to lay eggs at five to six months of age. Provide egg laying pellets or mash, fresh water, a shelter, exercise area, protection and nest boxes.
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Hens will lay one brown egg per day. However, they may skip days and will not lay while molting during the fall or winter months. Collect the eggs at least once per day and refrigerate promptly. Fresh eggs are great to use for baking, frying, omelets and in a variety of recipes. However, refrigerate the eggs for a week or two prior to hard boiling so they will be easier to peel.
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