All about eggs

Eggs … a huge topic in the news and on my social media feed. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and nutrients. They are a part of many recipes and, with Easter coming up, many are looking for alternatives to not have to purchase and dye eggs! Why?

Because eggs are pretty pricey right now. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted egg production across the United States throughout commercial flocks. HPAI has reduced flock sizes of egg laying birds thus surging prices due to low availability of egg layers.

While chickens, in general, have a fast hatch and growth rate, replacing chickens takes time and has an impact on poultry producers. Chicks take 21 days to hatch from a fertile egg and become either cockerels or pullets. Pullets can lay eggs around 20-24 weeks of age.

Backyard flocks and locally-purchased eggs have become ever more popular. With surging egg prices, inconsistent egg availability and limited purchasing of eggs at the store, backyard flock popularity is certainly on the rise. Having a home flock has many benefits; however, picking up a couple chicks from the store without being prepared can pose negative impacts for flocks and families.

Know your birds before you purchase them. Have your housing, feeders/waterers and chick feed ready before you bring chicks home. Be prepared with the number of chicks you plan to purchase and the breed(s) you want to have. Heads up, chicks are going very fast.

Call your feed stores to determine their next bird shipments or ask if there is a possibility of making an order for your own birds. This can help lower the chance of not having access to birds once you are ready or not being able to purchase the amount you want.

Identify what breeds you are looking for. You should identify what birds you need to purchase depending on your goals, either egg or meat production. Whenever you are purchasing chicks, you will hear the term straight run or sexed (pullets). Straight run is often offered at a cheaper rate and include pullets and cockerels meaning you may get girls and/or boys that will grow into hens and roosters.

Of course, roosters do not lay eggs, but depending on your goals for your flock, you may want some roosters. Roosters have a purpose for the farm and home flock, to fertilize eggs that can be incubated by hens into baby chicks and to protect the flock. Roosters are naturally protective, and some can have “friendlier” demeanors than others.

Many have been affected by “mean” rooster attacks, something you never forget as a child, but they also can attack predators! You do not need roosters to have eggs.

Sexed (pullets) means they have been sorted through to identify pullet chicks which are female. These chicks usually come with a higher price tag but provide a greater success in avoiding roosters. Know that sexed pullets can occasionally have a rooster among them, but the chances are much lower. You sometimes can find started pullets, which are older pullets that are closer to egg laying age.

To learn more on how to take care of your chicks at home, you can sign up for the Backyard Flock Workshop from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Valencia County Extension Office. Topics that will be covered include feed and nutrition requirements for the growth stages of chickens, knowing your breeds, protecting against predators, DIY feeders and understanding avian influenza.

At the end of February of this year, HPAI was found in a backyard flock in Bernalillo County. Unfortunately, 40 birds died because of the disease. There are several ways you can protect your birds at home from HPAI recommended by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

House birds indoors or in wildlife-proof enclosures when possible. Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds. Clean and disinfect equipment and clothing after contact with poultry. Limit visitors to your flock and use dedicated footwear around birds. Monitor your flock for unusual deaths or illness. Visit the APHIS Avian Health website for additional backyard flock information. All commercial and backyard flock cases are listed on the APHIS website.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: Spring and summer programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

• Learn to Preserve Summer Squash. Join us from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, April 21, at the Valencia County CES Office. Participants will learn techniques like baking, cooking, freezing, dehydrating, and pickling summer squash. The lab fee is $5 to participate. Space is limited, please call the office at 505-565-3002 to reserve your spot by Wednesday, April 16. All payments must be completed prior to class.

• Backyard Flock Workshop: From 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, at the Valencia County Extension Office. Learn how to take care of your backyard flock. Topics covered will include feed and nutrition requirements for the growth stages of chickens, knowing your breeds, protecting against predators, DIY feeders, understanding avian influenza. Free, RSVP by calling the office at 505-565-3002 or emailing sierragh@nmsu.edu by April 25.

• Pressure Canning Traditional New Mexican Dishes: From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, May 5. Discover the art of pressure canning while learning to preserve the rich flavors of traditional New Mexican cuisine. In this class, you will explore safe and effective pressure canning techniques for dishes like green chile and chile con carne. Lab fee is $10 to participate. Call the office at 505-565-3002, by Friday, May 2, to reserve your spot. All payments must be completed prior to class.

• Gourmet Vinegars: Join us for a unique workshop on crafting your own gourmet vinegar from scratch, held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, May 19. Learn the art of creating custom vinegar from scratch. This free hands-on workshop is perfect for food enthusiasts looking to elevate their culinary creations. RSVP by Thursday, May 15, by calling the office at 505-565-3002, Location details will be provided upon registration, as space is limited.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesdays, April 16, 23 and 30, at the Family Resource Center, 428 Los Lentes Road SE, Los Lunas. Online: Zoom 2-3 p.m. every Thursday. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

• Ask a Master Gardener Table: Ask a Master Gardener tables will be coming soon to the farmers markets and local businesses with spring plants. Ask questions about your home garden, insects, or get connected with the Extension Office. Schedule coming soon. Contact Sierra Cain for more information at 505-565-3002.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.