Linking to these sites is an effort to make as much accurate information and resources available to users as possible. We have reviewed all sites before adding them to this list. However, we do not endorse all the information and content of these sites.

• Egg Cleaning Procedures for the Household Flock. Household poultry flocks may produce a high percentage of dirty eggs. Many of these eggs are soiled because they are laid in dirty nests or are being laid on the floor. Dirty eggs can be a health hazard if they are not properly cleaned and sanitized. By: Daniel E. Bigbee, Extension Poultry Specialist and Glenn W. Froning, Extension Poultry Products Specialist, University of Nebraska.

• Interior Quality of Eggs - USDA Poster

• Proper Handling of Eggs: From Hen to Consumption. To insure egg quality in small flocks, egg producers must learn to properly handle the eggs they produce. This article will discuss how you can insure that your eggs will be of the highest quality and safe for consumption. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, VA. Tech.

• USDA Shell egg standards, grades, and weight classes. The voluntary USDA shell egg grading program operates under these standards, grades, and weight classes and the shell egg grading regulations. The voluntary program provides for interested parties a national grading service based on official U.S. standards, grades, and weight classes for shell eggs.

• Egg-Type Layer Flock Care Practices is one of a series of University of California publications addressing the issue of animal care relating to food production in California. This publication is a joint effort of the Poultry Working Group, Cooperative Extension, and industry representatives.

• Home Laying Flock Management I, Getting Started This NebGuide tells what is involved in starting a home laying flock. Earl W. Gleaves, Extension Poultry Specialist, University of Nebraska.

• Home Laying Flock Management II. This NebGuide contains management suggestions pertinent to the home laying flock. Earl W. Gleaves, Extension Poultry Specialist, University of Nebraska.

• Light: A Poultry Management Tool (requires Acrobat Reader 3.01) Reproduction of al domestic fowl is influenced by light. This publication explains how to manage this resource to best influence reproduction. By: John Skinner, Extension Specialist and Dr. M.L. Sunde, University of Wisconsin.

• Management Requirements for Laying Flocks By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, VA. Tech.

• Proper Handling of Eggs: From Hen to Consumption. To insure egg quality in small flocks, egg producers must learn to properly handle the eggs they produce. This article will discuss how you can insure that your eggs will be of the highest quality and safe for consumption. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Poultry Extension Specialist, VA. Tech.

• Rearing Chicks and Pullets for the Small Laying Flock Good layers develop from healthy, well-bred chicks raised under good feeding and management programs. Buying the right type of chick is important for the most economical production. By: Melvin L. Hamre, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota.

• Small Laying Flock A well-planned and well-managed small laying flock can be a source of fresh eggs, personal pleasure and, sometimes, profit. By: Melvin L. Hamre, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota.

• Small-Scale Egg Production (Organic and Nonorganic) In the 1980s and 1990s, small-scale egg production has made a comeback, mainly because of changing consumer demands and emerging niche markets. This six-page publication, part of the Agricultural Alternatives series focusing on small-scale and part-time farming operations, covers small-scale egg production marketing, production considerations, disease problems, and regulations, and includes sample budgets and references for more information. (1999). By: Dr. Paul Patterson, PSU Extension.

• The Small Laying Flock (requires Acrobat Reader 3.01) Nicely done publication by: Fred Thornberry, Extension Poultry Specialist, Texas A&M.

• Breeder Company Management Guides These companies offer excellent management information.

• Light: A Poultry Management Tool (requires Acrobat Reader 3.01) Reproduction of al domestic fowl is influenced by light. This publication explains how to manage this resource to best influence reproduction. By: John Skinner, Extension Specialist and Dr. ML Sunde, University of Wisconsin.

• Molting and Other Causes of Feather Loss in Small Poultry Flocks (requires Acrobat Reader 3.01) Small flock owners often become concerned that a few birds are experiencing excessive feather loss. This fact Sheet addresses these concerns. By: Dr. Scott Beyer, Extension Poultry Specialist, Kansas State University.

• Cannibalism: Cause and Prevention in Poultry This NebGuide discusses reasons why cannibalism occurs in poultry, and provides management procedures for preventing it, including three methods of beak trimming. Earl W. Gleaves, Extension Poultry Specialist, University of Nebraska.

• Cannibalism: Prevention and Treatment Since there are numerous reasons for outbreaks of cannibalism, it is important that cannibalism control be a part of your management program. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

• Prevention of Egg Eating Egg eating by hens is a habit formed over time which is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break. It is important you plan and manage your facilities so that the hen never gets the first taste of a broken egg. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Virginia Cooperative Extension.

• Why Have My Hens Stopped Laying? A common question from small backyard laying flock owners is "Why have my hens stopped laying?" There are many factors which can cause hens to stop laying and in many cases there are multiple causes which add up to few or no eggs. The most common causes of decreased egg production include: decreasing daylength, improper nutrition, disease, advancing age and stress. By: Phillip J. Clauer, Virginia Cooperative Extension.