Instructions
- Read each section carefully to learn the essential steps for keeping four Hyline Brown hens healthy and happy.
- Complete the activities in order, starting with the daily basics and moving toward advanced care scenarios.
- Use the Maintenance Log to practice planning a week of chores.
- Check your work against the Answer Key at the end once you have finished the entire worksheet.
Section 1: The Daily Checklist
Hyline Browns are famous for laying nearly one egg every day. Because they work so hard, they need consistent care. Match the Daily Task on the left with the Correct Reason on the right by writing the letter in the space provided.
| Daily Task | Letter | Reason Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Refresh water containers | ____ | A. Prevents egg-eating habits and keeps eggs clean. |
| 2. Refill the pellet feeder | ____ | B. Ensures hens don't get dehydrated, which stops egg laying. |
| 3. Collect eggs | ____ | C. Keeps the hens safe from foxes, hawks, or stray dogs. |
| 4. Inspect the "Vent" and Comb | ____ | D. High-producing hens need constant access to protein and calcium. |
| 5. Secure the coop at dusk | ____ | E. Allows you to spot signs of illness or parasites early. |
Section 2: The Poultry Planner
Maintaining a clean environment prevents disease. Use the table below to plan out the maintenance for your flock. I have provided the first example for you.
| Task Name | Frequency | What to do? |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Stir Bedding | Every 2 days | Use a rake to turn over wood shavings to keep them dry. |
| 1. | ||
| 2. | ||
| 3. | ||
| 4. | ||
| 5. |
(Hint: Think about cleaning poop boards, scrubbing waterers, adding fresh straw to nesting boxes, or checking the perimeter of the run for holes.)
Section 3: Chicken Body Language
As a flock manager, you need to be an observer. Based on your knowledge of chicken behavior, circle the correct observation for a Healthy Hyline Hen.
-
The Comb and Wattles should be:
- A. Pale, shriveled, and flaky.
- B. Bright red, plump, and warm.
-
Activity levels should be:
- A. Scratching in the dirt and curious about their surroundings.
- B. Huddled in a corner with ruffled feathers and eyes closed.
-
The Chicken Run (Outdoor Space) should have:
- A. Only mud and no shade.
- B. A "Dust Bath" area with dry dirt or sand for grooming.
Section 4: The Egg Math Challenge
Hyline Browns are high-efficiency birds. On average, one hen lays 6 eggs per week.
Scenario: You have 4 hens. You want to sell your eggs for $5.00 per dozen (12 eggs).
-
How many eggs will your flock lay in one week? Answer: ____ eggs.
-
How many full dozens will you have after three weeks? Answer: ____ dozens.
-
How much total money will you earn if you sell all those dozens? Answer: $____
Section 5: Problem Solving (The Predator Prompt)
The Situation: You go out to the chicken run and notice a small hole has been dug under the wire fence. You also see that the hens are acting very nervous and staying inside the coop.
Your Task: Write 2-3 sentences explaining how you would fix the run and what you could add to the bottom of the fence to stop predators like foxes or raccoons from digging in.
Answer Key
Section 1: Daily Checklist
- B
- D
- A
- E
- C
Section 2: The Poultry Planner (Suggested Answers)
- Scrub Waterer | Weekly | Remove slime/algae with a brush and vinegar.
- Deep Clean Coop | Monthly | Remove all bedding, scrub floors, and air it out.
- Check Perimeter | Weekly | Look for gaps or dig marks under the fence.
- Refill Nesting Box | As needed | Add fresh straw so eggs don't break on the hard floor.
- Poop Board Scoop | Daily | Remove droppings from under the roosting bars.
Section 3: Chicken Body Language
- B (Bright red)
- A (Scratching/Curious)
- B (Dust Bath)
Section 4: Egg Math Challenge
- 24 eggs (4 hens x 6 eggs)
- 6 dozens (24 eggs x 3 weeks = 72 eggs. 72 / 12 = 6)
- $30.00 (6 dozen x $5.00)
Section 5: Problem Solving Acceptable answers should include: Filling the hole immediately, and installing "hardware cloth" or an "L-footer" (wire mesh buried underground or extending outward along the ground) to prevent predators from digging under the fence again.