The farm market laying flock and the urban backyard egg- producing flock are responsible in an explosion of interest in raising egg producing chickens.

Egg-producing hens have great personalities and quickly become tamed to the point that even young children are able to care for them.

The interest in “Farm to Table” foods have spurred the demand for small farm flocks that market eggs at farmer’s markets, food cooperatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) organizations.

Depending on the breed and genetic background of the hens, eggs come in many colors and sizes. Purebred hens provide interesting body shapes, plumage colors and egg colors. However, modern hybrids provide superior efficiency and prolific production of quality eggs.

4-H and FFA members, as well as adults will become proficient producers of quality eggs if they understand the background and husbandry techniques in egg production.