Is there any way I can tell which egg was laied by which hen?

[Jetblack2004]

I have a flock of RIR chickens that I breed from. A few months back I hatched out RIR x Golden-laced Wyandotte chicks. There were six pullets and my plan was to sell them all. I currently have three still to sell, one of which I have totally fallen in love with. She is beautiful, friendly and calm. I really dont think I'll be able to part with her. I want to add her to my RIR flock, but when it comes to hatching out purebred RIR, I need to know which eggs my hybrid girl is laying. Is there any way I can do this? Any suggestions. I was thinking of feeding dyed food and seeing if the egg came out coloured. It was really a joke and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work!

Thanks in advance!
-Jet

p.s. Who couldn't fall in love with this hen?!

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

When I need to collect eggs for hatching, I end up having to watch each hen lay her egg. I realize you may not have time for this.

Another method is trapnesting. If you have a box-type nest box, you can buy a wire door to put over it, and then check the 'traps' every hour.

Of course, if you just want a general idea, you can go by shanks. If a hen is laying well, her legs will be thin, flat, and pale. You can also check butts to see if the pubic bones are well-spaced and flexible.