Eggs

[Crystena]

Does anybody mark the date on there eggs with pencil the day they were layed by hens? And is it harmful to chickens, hen or rooster to feed the eggshells to them that has date on them from pencil lead? I don't want to harm them in any way. Heard the eggshells are a good source of calcium. Also, what scraps or food are a good alternative in addition to the scratch and feed. Such as vegetable or fruits rinds, etc. I don't know what food items are acceptable for feeding them scraps, etc. other then there feed. New to raising backyard chickens, etc. Thank you for any advice or information given.

 

[rIrs roost]

I've always used a sharpie to mark mine. It doesn't hurt the unborn chick and I'm assuming that it must not hurt the chickens eating the marked eggs. My hens have hatched and eaten some that I marked and they are fine. Welcome to Byc.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I just mark the carton when full. Pencil lead is actually graphite.
Don't feed them anything greasy, salty, sugary, spicy. No chocolate, green potato skins, avocado skins or pits. Just to name a few. You can look up on here for more things.
I only give my girls scratch grains for a treat. I let them free range 2 hours before sunset daily, weather permitting. So they get a variety of greens and bugs. GC