Monday 26th February 10.22a.m. Overcast and warm, sunny gaps. Wind 16.7 27.8kph SSW, Hg 60%, Temp 23.9C / 75F headed for 27C / 80F. Possible late shower.
Moon is 97%
Hotter temperatures can lead to smaller eggs. (ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia)
February has seen temperatures rise to nearly 50 degrees Celsius (122F) in parts of Western Australia and people may find themselves being affected by the heat in more ways than one.
Temperature is a key factor in productivity for chickens, according to Margaret River Free Ranger Eggs owner Jan Harwood, who said commercial producers were always battling the elements.
"In summer our hens get hot and tend to eat less – a bit like us – and it's mainly this eating less that affects egg size," she said.
"You can expect to see smaller eggs in the supermarket."
"Generally speaking, it will not affect the number of eggs you see on the shelves," she said.
"Having said that, sometimes in extreme heat, temperatures are difficult to control and hens can even die or go off the lay."
Commercial Egg Producers Association of WA president and Fremantle Egg Company owner Ian Wilson said prices would stay the same.
"You'll probably see more middle-of-the-range, 700-gram type size as the alternative to the jumbo 800," he said.
Mr Wilson said egg producers may feel a financial pinch.
"If you're feeding your chook and you're getting a smaller egg, you're not getting quite as good of a return," he said.
"So the bottom line for the farmer will be slightly less over these months, but not for the consumer — they will stay the same price."
Moon is 97%
Hen productivity down as WA swelters through heatwave
2 days ago
Hotter temperatures can lead to smaller eggs. (ABC South West WA: Anthony Pancia)
February has seen temperatures rise to nearly 50 degrees Celsius (122F) in parts of Western Australia and people may find themselves being affected by the heat in more ways than one.
Temperature is a key factor in productivity for chickens, according to Margaret River Free Ranger Eggs owner Jan Harwood, who said commercial producers were always battling the elements.
"In summer our hens get hot and tend to eat less – a bit like us – and it's mainly this eating less that affects egg size," she said.
"You can expect to see smaller eggs in the supermarket."
Fewer eggs on the shelf?
Ms Harwood did not think there would be reduced availability."Generally speaking, it will not affect the number of eggs you see on the shelves," she said.
"Having said that, sometimes in extreme heat, temperatures are difficult to control and hens can even die or go off the lay."
Commercial Egg Producers Association of WA president and Fremantle Egg Company owner Ian Wilson said prices would stay the same.
"You'll probably see more middle-of-the-range, 700-gram type size as the alternative to the jumbo 800," he said.
Mr Wilson said egg producers may feel a financial pinch.
"If you're feeding your chook and you're getting a smaller egg, you're not getting quite as good of a return," he said.
"So the bottom line for the farmer will be slightly less over these months, but not for the consumer — they will stay the same price."
