breaking. As hens begin to lay eggs, they will lay one egg every one to three days and usually return to the same location as well as share the location with other hens. Placing an artificial egg in the nesting box will encourage use. This artificial egg can be left in the nest as the real eggs produced are collected daily, which many times will trick the hen into continuing to use the location even though her eggs are being taken. Egg collection should be done every one to two days. As a collection or “clutch” of eggs develops, the hen may be motivated to sit on the nest and attempt to incubate the eggs. For eggs to hatch, the hen will sit on the nest for 21 days almost exclusively and, if the eggs have been fertilized by a rooster, they will hatch over a period of a couple of days. Hens that sit on a nest and are actively trying to incubate the eggs may become aggressive. After eggs are collected, they should be washed with warm water only. Harsh soaps and chemicals may break down natural protective mechanisms of the shell. Place eggs into a clean carton and refrigerate. Make sure you clean your work area thoroughly afterwards, especially if using your kitchen sink.

After eggs are collected, they should be washed with warm water only. Harsh soaps and chemicals may break down natural protective mechanisms of the shell. Place eggs into a clean carton and refrigerate. Make sure you clean your work area thoroughly afterwards, especially if using your kitchen sink.

Follow the processes described above when producing eggs for personal use. If at any point you decide to sell extra eggs collected, additional requirements or regulations apply. When selling eggs, more requirements are needed to ensure safety. These regulations may vary slightly depending on your state. Contact your state Department of Agriculture for egg handling and poultry regulations. Farmers markets sales may also have specific regulations to be met. For more information, you may also contact your local Extension services.

http://www.poultryimprovement.org/default.cfm https://www.kyagr.com/statevet/poultry.html

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