Poultry Facs
Eggs are highly nutritious – Eggs contain vitamins, minerals & protein, vitamins A and B12, niacin, riboflavin, folate and the anti-oxidant selenium – and are relatively low in fat (76 calories or 320 kilojoules) – eggs have been given the Heart Foundation’s tick of approval.
In the past it was believed that eggs contributed to high blood cholesterol levels because eggs contain cholesterol. However, now research shows the humble egg does not cause cholesterol to build up in the body – the real culprit is saturated fats.Which type of egg is best? free range vs battery hen. A high percentage of eggs sold throughout Australia come from battery hens – those kept in small cages. Obviously the best egg is one you have pick up after caring for your own hens.
Keeping Poultry - The benefits
- Fresh eggs daily
- No more wasted kitchen scraps
- Poultry Manure for the gardens
- Composters
- Entertainment and personal enjoyment
- New family additions for your children to enjoy and care for
- Maybe dinner
What are your requirements
- Local councils allow keeping of hensbut usually not roosters
- Decide how many to buy. Consideration must be given to space, required egg production and the social needs of the birds. It is recommended two to three.
- Day olds or point of lay? Day old chicks need draft free warmth for 5-8 weeks depending on the season. This can be achieved with the addition of a low wattage lamp over their nesting box. At around 8 wks old they can begin their journey towards living outside permanently to finish growing up to hens that will lay eggs.
Where to buy
- Distinctly Poultry – vaccinated, sexed, wormed, dusted and healthy
- good healthy chickens sexed and unsexed
- Beware of markets, auctions.
- Commercial layers may be cheap because they have finished laying (permanently).
- Bringing chickens in form everywhere might bring in new diseases to your stock.
Recommended reading: A Guide to Keeping Poultry in Australia
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