Official BYC Poll: How Important Is It That You Get Eggs From Your Chickens?

[BYC Project Manager]

People decide to raise their own backyard flock for a variety of reasons. Top amongst these reasons is the hens' ability to provide eggs (according to our poll: Why Do You Have Chickens). Yum, Eggs! Backyard and free-ranged hens produce eggs that are very nutritious and great tasting. Not to mention they are always fresh!

Now coming back to you and your flock: How important is it that you get eggs from your chickens?

• Very important: I buy production breeds, use artificial lighting, and get rid of them after they aren't strong layers anymore.
• Somewhat important: I buy production breeds, but do not use any lighting or cull older birds.
• Not Important: I buy production breeds, but I don't really mind them going broody, or pausing laying.
• It's a nice benefit: I have mixed breeds that I raise for other reasons. But I'm grateful for whatever eggs they provide, whenever they can.

Place your vote above, and please elaborate in a reply below if you chose "Other".

Further Reading:

• Interesting Facts About Chickens
• Cleaning & Storing Fresh Eggs
• Common Egg Quality Problems
• Egg Color Chart: Find Out What Egg Color Your Breed Lays

(Check out more exciting Official BYC Polls HERE!)

 

[21hens-incharge]

I chose "it's a nice benefit".

While I initially got chickens for the eggs I rather enjoy the company in the garden. My family is not interested in gardening at all but my hens are always ready to come help me dig in the dirt.

 

[AntiqueB]

I got them originally for eggs, and I like the eggs. When I add to the flock, I will add breeds that lay well. But I'm not going to buy production breeds, or cull any birds that are past their laying prime. I sort of like spending time with them, and also indulging neighbors with fresh eggs and looking in nest boxes and finding eggs!

 

[WestTNriverrat]

I got the chickens to have a supply of fresh eggs. I voted not important because I’ve come to the realization that I like them around with or without the eggs. Sometimes we get more eggs than we need and I may not collect every day so it’s not supper high on my list.

 

[Folly's place]

It's somewhat important, but we buy heritage breeds, not production breeds, and bantams, and there's not a category for that. Eggs, yes, but having a flock is also about entertainment, some breeding, and supporting senior birds.
Mary

 

[heather134]

I don't buy production breeds or have any fancy lighting, but I'm ready to get rid of the hens that aren't producing in lieu of new ones. So while it's very important to get eggs and installed a camera so I can see who isn't doing their part, I enjoy their company and there are certain hens I'll keep regardless.

 

[Ascholten]

This is a tough question. If they are not producing, well that IS a bummer, but what's going on with her? Attitude and stuff counts a LOT with me. (Yes yes, I am one of those asshats who fell in love with his damned chickens and treats them like part of the family(

I know people that as soon as she is not laying or gets a few years old, into the cooking pot she goes. Me now, yes I like eggs, but if they are friendly, which so far all of mine are VERY friendly. I can't see myself holding it against them if they are not pushing an egg every day.

Im happy what they can give me and try to keep them happy, and yes, it's JUST a chicken so they say but I can almost guarantee I am going to cry like a big stupid baby the day they pass too.

I tried to make a pact with myself that I will NOT bury another pet because it hurts to do so,..I bought a cockatoo... good choice!! .... then a got a bunch of chickens. So much for common sense.

Aaron

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I did other because my family eats store eggs only and I don't eat eggs so they usually get them fed back. But I need eggs to breed, obviously so they have to lay throughout the year for me

 

[bikerchix]

started with production breeds for eggs several years ago. now it's more" that's a pretty chicken or i want that color egg or i wonder what crossing these two would look like"

 

[Nnyuu]

For me, eggs are a nice perk. But.... I sold my husband on chickens with the promise of eggs, so these girls gotta help me out a bit and produce enough to placate him