There are several classifications of eggs on the market today according to the American Egg Board. Depending on what you desire the price will vary from conventional to specialty production. Specialty production eggs cost more to produce and cost more at the markets. There are different colored eggs. The color of eggs depends on the breeds you have. The colors of eggs seen are white, brown, chocolate and blue. Conventional eggs are normally white. Other colors are in the free range and other types.

Let’s look first at the type of eggs in the markets.

Conventional Eggs

Eggs laid by hens living in cages with access to feed, water, and protection. Cages serve as the nesting space. Hens are protected from weather, disease and predators.

Free-Range Eggs

Eggs produced by hens that have access to outdoors. They have access to grain ration, floor space, nesting space and perches. They can also forage for wild plants and insects. Sometimes called pasture-fed hens.

Cage-Free Eggs

Eggs laid by hens at indoor floor operations, sometimes called free roaming. Hens roam in buildings or open areas and have unlimited access to fresh food and water and may also forage for food if allowed outdoors. Cage free systems vary and include barn-raised and free-range hens. Both types are produced under common care and handling practices including shelter, floor space, nest space and perches.

Organic Eggs

Eggs produced according to the organic standards established by USDA related to methods, practices and substances used in producing and handling crops, livestock and processed agricultural products. Organic eggs are produced by hens fed rations that ingredients that were grown without most conventional pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or commercial fertilizers.

Enriched Colony

A production system that contains environmental enrichments to allow layers to exhibit inherent behavior. American Humane certified.

Hens may live in backyard flocks for 6-8 years and produce eggs for 3-4 years. The level of egg production, egg size, and shell quality will decrease each year. Most small flock owners should plan to retire old hens and add young hens every 2-3 years. Each year laying hens will go through a molt (loss of feathers) and quit laying after several months. This is a break period to rest before they resume laying.

Ideal day length for eggs production is 14-16 hours of light with adequate nutrition, housing and management. Hens should begin producing eggs when they are 18-22 weeks old. This may vary according to breeds of hens. Maximum egg production is reached during the summer months due to day length. Egg production can extend into other seasons by supplementing artificial light with a timer and a 60-watt incandescent bulb to provide 14-16 hours. Add light to the morning and later afternoon but allow hens to roost in the evenings with the setting sun.

Ovulation (release of the yolk from the ovary) of the egg occurs every 24-26 hours. It takes 26 hours for an egg to fully form so a hen will lay an egg later and later each day and eventually she will skip a day. Daily egg production can be influenced by bad weather, dark days, temperature, poor quality ration, lack of water. Different breeds vary in total yearly egg production.

Housing requirements for mature laying hens should be two-three square feet of floor space per bird. It needs good air ventilation and can keep out predators. Have adequate feeders or waterers. Keep them clean and supplied with fresh feed and water. Provide adequate nesting boxes and perches. Recommendation is one nesting box per four hens. Perches to allow birds to roost should be attached to the wall at two, three, and four feet above the floor. Guidelines recommend one linear foot of space per bird for roosting. Dominate birds will roost on the top and other hens will roost on the lower perches. Keep the housing floor and nesting boxes dry and clean. Using wood shavings or sawdust for bedding or litter is preferable to hay or straw which is difficult to clean up once soiled or wet. Stir liter occasionally to keep loose and dry. If becomes wet around feeders and waterers replace.

For laying hens buy a complete laying ration 16-18% crude protein and 4% calcium. Store in a rodent-proof container and keep in a cool, dry location to prevent nutrient losses. For ease of handling and keeping fresh buy feed in 50-pound bags for small flocks. A 50 lb. bag should last 10 hens about 2-3 weeks. Provide clean cool water. Disinfect waterers once a week with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. Birds will drink more water if the water temperature is cool. One day without water will reduce eggs production for several days since eggs are 75% water.

Try to collect eggs at least twice a day. If you need to wash dirty eggs never soak them or leave them in standing water, as eggs are very porous. Use warm running water and a scrubbing pad. By keeping clean dry liter or bedding out it will help keep eggs cleaner.

Check hens for lice or mites at least monthly and treat them accordingly. Watch birds for general health. Healthy birds should eat and drink frequently, stand erect with head and tail elevated. Feathers should be smooth and clean, combs and wattles bright, clean and red. Eyes should be clear with no discharges or crusting, scales on feet and legs clean, no pasty manure on rear end of bird. If you notice any unhealthy conditions take necessary measures to treat sick birds.