Has anyone heard of putting food coloring in a hens vent?

[Chickengirl1304]

I read that you can put food coloring in a hens vent to tell which eggs are hers. Is this true? I can't tell my bantys eggs from my new pullet eggs and want to put my Banty roo in with them and hatch some bantys.

 

[gabrielle1976]

 

[salt and pepper]

yes, this is a good way of knowing the difference between eggs. you put the coloring on the vent, and when the egg is laid it will have a ring of color on it. good luck!

 

[Sally Sunshine]

EASY way to tell who is laying & its a very tried and true method anyone can do... Get some food coloring, NOT RED!!!!!, and an eye dropper with a touch ( (TBSP)of mineral oil Insert this into the hens vent very gently and only about an 1/4 in. Squeeze the eye dropper till empty. The next egg the hen lays will have this color on the shell. Use one color per bird, for 3 consecutive days. Whites are easier to see, but can be done with brown eggs also, green, blue & purple are easiest to see. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/704274/how-can-i-tell-if-they-have-started-laying-yet/40

 

[LeJeune1]

Ive heard of doing it, but never have. I have been known to hang out in the coop for loooong hours to see who is busy laying )

 

[Chickengirl1304]

Me lejeune but I have a 6 year old, 14 month old baby and pregnant so I don't judge the time I used to. Wish I could egg watch

 

[Chickengirl1304]

I did it today with the help of my 6yr old. Let's see how it goes?!

 

[Chickengal505]

Honestly, I don't think this would work, and it could even be harmful to the hen. Besides, with all the pooping they do, you'll have some colorful potty droppings and brown eggs

 

[salt and pepper]

it does work. besides, if you actually put it inside the bird in the right oviduct, then the poop doesn't touch it.

 

[Sally Sunshine]

I did it today with the help of my 6yr old. Let's see how it goes?!

pics too!