does free-ranging = bigger eggs?

[technodoll]

I seem to be getting some pretty darn big eggs lately...

The flock has been free-ranging more and more the past couple of weeks, up to 6 hours a day now.

Coincidence??

 

[fldiver97]

Not sure if the free ranging is the reason...as they get older (the chickens) eggs should get bigger.

 

[koifarm]

IMHO free ranging results in more flavorful eggs, bright orange yolks and a good 'fresh egg" taste in the frying pan....
Larger? Don't think so, size is related to breed usually, like my Golden Orbs lay smaller eggs than the White Barred Rocs do.

 

[technodoll]

OK, thanks - as I thought, probably coincidence!

They sure are getting a lot of good food lately

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Quote:
Egg size depends upon breed, the weight of the hen, and protein intake.

Hens eat to provide for caloric needs. If they are running around a lot, or if the weather is cold, or both, then they need more calories and will eat more. Yet they only need a given amount of protein in their ration each day. If they are eating a lot of feed to take in more calories then the extra protein they are getting can cause egg size to increase.

But then again you would think that some of that protein would be offset by free range consumption...

 

[Wildsky]

Not larger, but harder to find YES.

 

[technodoll]

Luckily the girls love their nesting boxes too much to lay anywhere else, thank GOODNESS!!

Or so I think