Information about Eggs #1
American chickens came from where?
Scientists say that there were chickens in America long ago. But, these
chickens weren't the same kinds of chickens that lay our eggs today.
Historians believe that the first chickens related to today's egg layers
were brought to America by Columbus' ships.
The chicken breed that lays most of the eggs we eat is the Single-Comb
White Leghorn. The name Leghorn comes from a city in Italy called
Livorno in Italian.
Can you find the city with the English name Leghorn or the Italian name
Livorno on this map of Italy? Why do you think Columbus would have
sailed out of Spain with chickens from Italy?
Christopher Columbus was Italian. He came from the town of Genoa, Italy
which is also famous for salami. But, Columbus' wife was Spanish and the
couple lived in Spain for some time. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of
Spain paid for his voyage. Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain on August
3, 1492. He brought the hens along on his second voyage the next year.
The laying hens first supplied eggs and then chicken meat for the hungry
crew.
http://www.aeb.org/kidsandfamily/american_chickens_came_from_wher.htm
Information about Eggs #2
EGGS AND NUTRITIONS
Eggs have excellent nutritional value. They contain protein which is needed
for building and repairing the cells in muscles and other body tissues. They
also supply valuable minerals and vitamins. Eggs contain vitamin A, all 8 of
the B group vitamins as well as vitamins D and E.
In fact, eggs supply all the vitamins except for vitamin C. (Fruits, fruit juices
and vegatables are the only sources of vitamin C). Vitamins A, D, E are
found only in the egg yolk. Most of the B group vitamins are in both the
yolk and the white although the yolk has greater quantities.
The most important mineral in eggs is iron and it's found in the yolk. The
iron is absorbed best if food containing citamin C is eaten at the same
meal. Fruit, a glass of juice or some type of vegatable should therefore be
eaten at the same meal as an egg. Eggs also contain zinc, iodine,
phosphorus, potassium and small quantities of other minerals.
Eggs contain some fat - found only in the yolk. Cholesterol is also present
in the egg yolk. Recent research suggests that cholesterol in foods will not
cause problems if the diet is low in fat. Eggs provide an excellent selection
of nutrients. Like most foods they should be eaten in moderation.
A special thankyou to the Egg Industry Research and Development Council.
http://www.goldeneggs.com.au/nutrition/the_nutritional_value_of_an_egg.html
Information about Eggs #3
Rhode Island Red
Varieties:
o
o
Single Comb
Rose Comb
Standard Weights: Cock-8-1/2 pounds; hen-6-1/2 pounds;
cockerel-7-1/2 pounds; pullet-5-1/2 pounds.
Skin Color: Yellow.
Egg Shell Color: Brown
Use: A dual purpose medium heavy fowl; used more for egg
production than meat production because of its dark colored pin
feathers and its good rate of lay.
Origin: Developed in the New England states of Massachusetts and
Rhode Island, early flocks often had both single and rose combed individuals
because of the influence of Malay blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode
Island Red got its deep color, strong constitution and relatively hard feathers.
Characteristics: Rhode Island Reds are a good choice for the small flock owner.
Relatively hardy, they are probably the best egg layers of the dual purpose breeds.
Reds handle marginal diets and poor housing conditions better than other breeds
and still continue to produce eggs. They are one of the breeds where exhibition
qualities and production ability can be successfully combined in a single strain.
Some "Red" males may be quite aggressive. They have rectangular, relatively
long bodies, typically dark red in color. Avoid using medium or brick red females
for breeding because this is not in keeping with the characteristics of the breed.
Also, don't breed from undersized individuals or birds with black in their body
feathers (called "smutt"). Black in the main tail and wing feathers is normal,
however. Most Reds show broodiness, but this characteristic has been partially
eliminated in some of the best egg production strains. The Rose Comb variety
tends to be smaller but should be the same size as the Single Combed variety. The
red color fades after long exposure to the sun
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/poultry/
Information about Eggs #4
Chickens are domestic (farm) birds. The
adult female chicken is called a hen, the
adult male is called a rooster, and the young
are called chicks. There are many different
breeds of chicken that are different sizes and
colors. Bantams are miniature chicken
breeds. A group of chickens is called a flock.
The scientific name of the chicken is Gallus
domesticus (genus and species).
Anatomy: The rooster is larger and more
brightly colored than the hen; he also has a larger comb. Roosters make a very
loud crowing sound and can be quite aggressive. Chicken eggs range in color
from white to pale brown and other pale colors.
Diet: Chickens have a varied diet. They eat insects, worms, fruit, seeds, acorns,
grains, slugs, snails, and many other foods. They have a well-developed
gizzard (a part of the stomach that contains tiny stones) that grinds up their
food.
Predators: Many animals prey upon chickens. Predators include skunks, owls,
raccoons, hawks, opossums, bobcats, and snakes