How do I get ready for the eggs?

[americanshorty26]

When my chickens start to lay eggs what kinda things do I need to have?

Should I clean them? And if so, with what?
I heard something about putting fake eggs in the nesting boxes, what is that about? Also, what should I put in the nest box bedding? Would pine needels work?

I know lots of questions but anything that you know would really help me out.

Thanks Amy

 

[debakadeb]

Amy,

I'm also new at this but this is what I've found:

--my chicks ignored the golf balls but like the close quarters of the nesting boxes so have begun using them after they laid their first egg. I think for a couple of them the first egg came as a bit of a surprise.
--mine prefer straw over wood chips in the nesting box

And last, I only clean the egg if it has something on it -- typically I just wipe it off with a paper towel. I also will be interested in hearing whether others clean their eggs or not.

Deb

 

[oldegger]

Ditto on the pine shavings and straw. really haven't had any dirty eggs. one hen did layed one egg while roosting. With 8 inches of shavings it didn't break or land in any poo.

 

[gritsar]

Amy, when your hens start laying switch them over to layer feed, if you haven't already. Offer oyster shell in a seperate container, free-choice.
Don't wash your eggs until you are ready to cook them. They are naturally coated with a layer called bloom. It protects the egg and keeps em fresher longer. If they are really dirty from the nest, just wipe them off with a paper towel.
To encourage hens to lay in the nesting boxes, some use golf balls or fake eggs. I have alot of egg gourds that I grew, they look just like the real thing, but they weren't necessary. My hens seem to like the closeness of the nest.