What a differnce in the yolks... *pic*

[Illia]

Just as a little note of reminder - Purina Layena hen feed specifically has Marigold extract in it to colorize the yolks for you. In reality the yolks wouldn't be as rich if it weren't for the Marigold.

 

[JuicyFatHead]

@ Illia.. we lock our chickens in the run more often in winter because of coyotes and hawks and sometimes the snow is too deep and they just can't get out.. well, when spring comes I notice a HUGE difference. When they free range in the woods around our house the yolks are dark orange.

I hate keeping them locked up, as they seem so happy outside.. but I know it's risky. Last year, we were out of town and my sister in law watched our house and animals.. and we just had her keep them locked up while we were gone.. and THAT'S when a hawk got two of our birds. It sat up top and undid the wire to get in. Terrible. We now have hawk proof netting... I've seen a goshawk sit there defeated...

 

[JuicyFatHead]

Quote:
Interesting!

 

[Jerseyjack]

Quote:
Interesting, do you mean the one that settles closest to the bottom, or the one that sinks to the bottom quickest? I would have to "borrow" a store bought off my neighbor, bottom = fresher?

 

[SunnyDayz]

When our chickens don't get free range time (due to weather, us being home etc) we give then alfalfa. It makes the yolks rick and dark.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Quote:
Yes, that has been my understanding about the marigolds. I also feed extra treats when avail.
I do know that most my customers tell me I have the best tasting eggs they've had and this included organic eggs.

Maybe it's just my imagination but I think my eggs have a nice rich taste too.

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I dont feed Purina Layena hen feed, but thats interesting.
My hens are an EE, a brahma and a cochin (all hatchery stock)
It takes me a couple of attempts to crack my eggs,lol. The shells are so hard.
My girls are free range (in the fenced in yard) and they love it.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Quote:
My chickens aren't caged and they are hatchery stock too. The farmer I got the eggs from has a similar set up as me. His chickens aren't caged but have a coop at night. They are let out into a fenced yard for the day.

I would love to have my chickens in a lot of grass too but I live in town.

I try to give them a variety of fruits and veggies and pulled grass etc. They love watermelon and cantaloupes the most.

 

[sheaviance1]

I have 13 chickens. Some of mine have deep orange yolks, and some have a light lemon yellow. I wonder if it has to do with the individual hen. These ladies all eat the same feed, and free range the same amount of time.

 

[farmerChef]

do your hens free range? maybe they go off and "get fertilized" and come back?

maybe their thinking, if you won't get them a rooster, they will go find one