Um...who laid that?

[Lunawriter]

So how do you tell who's laying the eggs you're gathering? I've heard more than once "an egg a day keeps the hatchet away", but how would someone go about telling which hen deserves the hatchet? Not that any of mine are heading in that direction, but I have no idea which of them laid which eggs either. So, for future reference, how can you tell which hens are laying regularly and which aren't?

 

[Illia]

Well, personally I don't believe in that saying - I didn't get my chickens just for their eggs. That being said - I keep track of who's eggs are who's. Even among the Wyandottes, each one lays a certain tint, shape, or some even have characteristics like white stippling and speckling. Course, through this I learn some of my girls don't lay very well at all - But I'm not displeased at all.

Also, I'm around the chickens enough that I see who is laying and when. I loove my chickens.

 

[tamelroy]

I just read this on another post maybe it will help.

She puts food color in their vents and when they lay she knows who laid what egg.

here is the post, if it doesn't work it is under pictures and stories of my chicks and the post is Ack! Emergency!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=304451

 

[Lunawriter]

Thanks, Illia and Tamelroy! Tamelroy, thanks for the link. Funny story! I should try it. Then I just have to keep track of who had what color applied to their vent and try to find distinguishing characteristics on "the twins".

I just figured there must be something I was missing, like it should be so obvious who is laying and who isn't. It's like the "well ventilated" but "draft free" thing that my mind just circles and circles and doesn't really get...