Description
- Pick up available now.
- Absolutely NO Shipping.
- You must supply your OWN cage. I do not have one for you, and i will not lend you one.
- ~10 birds will fit in a LARGE dog crate. Plan Accordingly.
- There’s a 40 bird MAXIMUM
- These birds will be 62 weeks old on delivery.
- FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. Orders here are priority, as they’re prepaid.
If you show up without a pre-order, and i’m out of hens, Failure to plan is on you.
THE ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
All birds are vaccinated as chicks.
The Vaccine used is Zoetis Maternavac 4, found here: https://www.zoetisus.com/products/poultry/poulvac-maternavac-4
This is a “killed” vaccine, and safe to have these hens around yours. They are not infective, like those treated with live vaccines.
If you wish to have the Coryza vaccine administered, i can do this. You may see a small drop in egg production for a week or two after dosing. Coryza is not prevalent in MD, but if you visit farms/auctions in PA and aren’t serious about biosecurity, it’s a good idea.
About the Breed
Hy-Line Brown hens are a popular commercial and backyard breed, known for their exceptional egg production, hardiness, and friendly disposition. Here’s an overview of what makes these hens stand out:
1. Appearance
- Plumage: Hy-Line Brown hens have light to medium brown feathers with soft, smooth plumage. The uniform coloration gives them a classic, appealing look, similar to a Rhode Island Red or ISA-Brown.
- Size: They are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds.
- Comb and Wattles: They have a single, bright red comb and matching wattles, adding to their recognizable appearance.
2. Egg Production
- Egg Color: Hy-Line Brown hens are known for laying brown eggs.
- Egg Quantity: They are prolific layers, often producing around 300-320 eggs per year. This high productivity is one of the reasons they are favored in both commercial and small-scale egg production.
- Egg Size: The eggs are generally large, which is ideal for most egg consumers.
3. Temperament
- Calm and Friendly: Hy-Line Brown hens are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them a great choice for backyard flocks and families with children.
- Sociable: They tend to get along well with other hens and can be quite social. Their calm demeanor makes them easy to handle and manage.
- Active and Adaptable: While they enjoy foraging and are active, they adapt well to confined spaces, making them suitable for different types of housing, from free-range environments to coops.
4. Care Requirements
- Coop Space: Like all chicken breeds, Hy-Line Browns need sufficient space to thrive. A minimum of 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run is recommended.
- Diet: A balanced layer feed that provides adequate calcium and protein is essential to maintain their egg production. Fresh water, occasional treats, and supplemental greens can contribute to their overall health.
- Climate Adaptability: They are hardy birds that can adapt to a range of climates. They handle both cold and heat reasonably well, though shade and proper ventilation in warmer weather, and protection against frost in colder weather, are important.
5. Health and Maintenance
- General Health: Hy-Line Brown hens are known for being robust and healthy, with a good resistance to many common poultry diseases. However, regular health checks for mites, lice, and other parasites, as well as a proper deworming schedule, are necessary.
- Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Routine vaccinations and deworming help maintain their health and longevity.
- Feather Quality: Their plumage tends to stay in good condition, but during their molting period, they may require additional protein to support feather regrowth.
6. Behavior and Training
- Good Egg Layers: These hens are prized for their consistent egg-laying capabilities. Even as they age, they tend to lay reliably, though production may decrease slightly after the first couple of years.
- Easy to Train: They respond well to routines and can be trained to return to their coop or follow basic feeding schedules.
- Curious and Engaging: Hy-Line Browns enjoy interaction and stimulation, making toys, foraging activities, and scratching areas beneficial for their enrichment.
7. Breeding and Genetics
- Commercial Hybrid: The Hy-Line Brown is a hybrid breed, developed for optimal egg production and feed efficiency. They are a result of selective breeding involving high-performing egg layers, combining traits for productivity, adaptability, and health.
- Not Ideal for Breeding: Due to their hybrid nature, breeding Hy-Line Browns does not typically result in offspring with the same traits. For consistent egg-laying characteristics, new stock should be acquired from hatcheries.
8. Lifespan and Production
- Lifespan: With good care, Hy-Line Brown hens can live for about 5-8 years. However, their peak laying years are typically in the first two to three years.
- Egg Production Span: They maintain high egg production in their first two years, after which production may gradually taper off. Many people choose to keep them even after their prime laying years due to their friendly nature and low-maintenance needs.
9. Interesting Facts
- Commercial Popularity: Hy-Line Browns are one of the most commonly raised hens in the egg production industry due to their consistent egg-laying performance and low feed-to-egg ratio.
- Beginner-Friendly: Their manageable size, adaptability, and easy-going nature make them perfect for novice chicken keepers.
- Low Broodiness: Hy-Line Browns are known for being non-broody, which means they are less likely to sit on and incubate eggs. This trait ensures continuous egg-laying without interruptions.
Hy-Line Brown hens are an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable egg producers with a friendly, easy-to-manage disposition. Their adaptability and resilience make them suitable for a wide range of climates and environments, whether for backyard coops or larger-scale egg production.
