Choosing Your Hens

Words by Stacey Cosnett – Head of Animal Performance

When looking at getting hens, one of the first decisions you will have to make is what breed you want.

You are likely to come across the terms “heavy breed” and “light breed”. Light breeds are well suited for egg production. Heavy breeds tend to grow “heavy” at a young age and are ideal for meat production. Some good light breeds to try and include are Ancona, Leghorns, Minorca and Hyline Browns. Some of the more popular heavy breeds are Dorkings, Orpingtons, Sussex, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandotte.

Do your research to find out the best breed for your property and your needs. Many breeds are available to purchase as 1 day old chicks and you may even be able to get them couriered right to your door!

What to buy

We recommend you purchase your replacement flock from reputable sources. Often the classified sections of rural newspapers will have advertisements for poultry detailing available breeds and prices. For best results, purchase day old chicks in April, which come into lay in September and lay right through to the following November or purchase point-of-lay pullets in September. 

Chicken lifecycle

• Birth – 6 weeks = chick
• 6 weeks – 18/20 weeks = pullet
• 18/20 weeks onwards = layer

Day old chicks

Day old chicks need to be kept in a box where the temperature is gradually reduced from 35°C at first to 33-35°C over 7 days. After 4 weeks they will be able to cope with temperatures around 25 to 27°C. A 60 watt light bulb suspended over the box should be enough to keep the box warm. Allow enough room for the chicks to be able to move away from, or closer to the heat source so they can find their ideal temperature. Providing adequate water and the correct food is important. Put your day old chicks onto a high protein starter ration in a crumble form.

Point-of-lay

Point-of-lay pullets are about 16 weeks of age and are just at the point of laying, which usually starts at 18-20 weeks of age. 

Why Chook Tucker is so great

NRM Chook Tucker is a favourite of laying chickens in backyards all around New Zealand. With a blend of grains, molasses and pellets, Chook Tucker is nutritionally balanced to support your laying flock and keep them thriving.  Chook Tucker has added prebiotics and probiotics to support the gut health of your chickens and a natural yolk colourant extracted from paprika and marigold for golden eggs.  Chook Tucker has a new-look bag hitting Farmlands stores this month that has a lower environmental footprint and can be recycled through the Agrecovery Soft Plastic Stewardship Scheme. 

New to keeping chickens or thinking about getting some feathery friends? Check out the NRM Chook Book – packed full of info to ensure your flock are healthy and producing well! Available online here or pick up a free copy from your local Farmlands store.