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meat spots and low numbers

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by frankenchick, Jan 3, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jan 3, 2011 #1
    frankenchick

    frankenchick Chillin' With My Peeps

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    One of my customers reported that she was getting a lot of eggs with meat spots in them. Makes me wonder how many I'm getting like that. The other problem is that egg production is way down lately (6-8/day to 2-3/day).

    My hens are all 3.5 y/o or 2.5 y/o; are they just getting old? Their legs and combs are kinda pale (I haven't checked their vents 'cause it's been really cold [​IMG] ).
     
  3. Jan 3, 2011 #2
    Eastins Eggs

    Eastins Eggs Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I would say your hens are a little on the old side for good egg production. Egg production really starts to drop off after 2 years.
     
  5. Jan 3, 2011 #3
    Judy

    Judy Moderator Staff Member

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  7. Jan 3, 2011 #4
    CMV

    CMV Flock Mistress

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    Yup, those girls are past their prime. You may consider retiring the 3.5 y.o. hens. The 2.5. y.o. hens may have another 6 months of good production in them, but egg quality is going to continue to deteriorate at their age. I consider culling when the girls reach 3 y.o. because they spend more time not laying than laying and the egg quality starts slipping a bit- shells start getting thinner/funky looking, meat/blood spots become more prevalent, whites get thinner, etc.

    The reason for your slow down is probably light related mostly, but certainly is age related as well. My nearly 4 y.o. hens (Yeah, I considered culling but I love these old biddies so I am stuck with them) have not laid any eggs since molting this fall. Fortunately, my flock has birds from all age groups, so I am still getting eggs despite their hiatus.

    Good luck.
     

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