But WHY do they lay eggs??

[wohneli]

I think the short answer is that humans have exploited and manipulated a trait that chickens had in nature. Lucky us!!!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Yep, there's your answer, selective breeding. There are production breeds of chickens selectively bred to be efficient producers of eggs for our consumption. Those with the desired traits, frequent laying, lack of broodiness, efficient & economical keepers, are those whose offspring have been selected to breed.

We see that other types bred for their size or appearance, like the bantams, silkies, & crested, don't lay as frequently and often retain their non-productive habit of brooding.

 

[pixie74943]

Quote:
They also came from Arctic Foxes.. I think thats where the cute fuzzy gene came from

 

[mxpres]

they may be more to this thing of hens getting mean and hateful when they are broody then we realize,its a good thing that its not every month

 

[Gonzo]

 

[LaSombra]

Quote:
lol!