i got my first 2 eggs yesterday.

[UncleMike2k]

so got my first 2 eggs today. I started off with 9 birds but 2 didn't make it to the egg laying stage, but now i have questions.
1. is it some kind of procedure from the coop to the skillet. do i put them in the fridge like normal eggs
2. First 2 eggs was kind of small is that normal. im giving them some layer feed that suppose to have oysters shells in the feed.will that be enough?
3. what else can i give them to promote healthy laying. whats up with the white spots.

 

[sourland]

1) Refrigeration is necessary only if you intend to hold them for a while before cooking.

2) Egg size will gradually increase. Feed you are using should be fine.
3) The white spots are excessive bloom and/or calcium spots - nothing to worry about.

Congratulations on your first eggs.

 

[GuineaMania]

Yup, I agree with sourland. Size is normal, I've gotten some unique eggs with my layers!

 

[GuineaMania]

Also, congrats!

 

[Sally PB]

Congratulations! First eggs are magical.

1. is it some kind of procedure from the coop to the skillet. do i put them in the fridge like normal eggs

Yes you can store them in the fridge. Or on the counter. If you store them on the counter DO NOT wash them. There is a coating that the chicken puts on called "bloom" or "cuticle" that seals the pores in the shell, and will keep it fresh at room temp. Washing will remove the bloom.

2. First 2 eggs was kind of small is that normal. im giving them some layer feed that suppose to have oysters shells in the feed.will that be enough?

Yes they often start out small. The chickens are new at this! Sometimes it takes awhile for their "egg factory" to work out all the kinks.

3. what else can i give them to promote healthy laying. whats up with the white spots.

The white spots are normal.

A lot of people here on BYC feed an "all flock" or "flock raiser" feed. Most brands have something by that name. What you're looking for is the percentage of protein and those two formulations have around 20%. Layer feed has 16%. That's what commercial egg production has determined is the lowest percentage of protein (ie, cheapest) that they can feed and get eggs. At their scale, pennies and fractions of a percent matter, and protein is the most expensive ingredient in the feed.

If you go with the higher protein, you need to supply a source of calcium, as the all flock feeds don't supply enough. Those feeds are designed to be for roosters too, and high percentages of calcium can be detrimental to the males, since they don't lay eggs. A dish of oyster shell set out will supply the layers with the calcium they need; they'll take a bit when they know they need it.

 

[UncleMike2k]

Thanks everyone for the advice

 

[texasgal]

Your questions have been answered. I just wanted to say congrats. First eggs are so exciting!

 

[UncleMike2k]

Your questions have been answered. I just wanted to say congrats. First eggs are so exciting!

yep i went n bought like 150 bucks worth of stuff for then after that egg laying lol

 

[texasgal]

Yeah, never try to figure out how much a dozen of your eggs are really worth!