Instructions
- Read the Fact File below to understand the specific needs of Hyline Brown hens.
- Complete the Maintenance Schedule to show you understand daily and weekly care requirements.
- Analyze the Coop Design section to ensure your hens remain safe and healthy.
- Solve the Egg Math challenge to practice real-world budgeting.
- Complete the Reflection at the end to demonstrate your learning.
Western Australian Curriculum Links
- Science (Year 7): Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activity (ACSSU111).
- Design and Technologies (Year 7): Investigate how and why food and fibre are produced in managed environments (ACTDEK032).
Fact File: The Hyline Brown
Hyline Browns are famous for being friendly, calm, and incredibly productive. They are "high-performance" birds, meaning they lay up to 300+ large brown eggs a year. Because they work so hard, they have specific needs:
- Protein: They require a high-quality layer pellet with 16-18% protein.
- Calcium: Shell grit is essential for strong eggshells.
- Water: A single hen can drink up to 500ml on a hot day.
- Space: They need room to scratch. A minimum of 1 square metre of run space per bird is recommended.
Activity 1: The Caretaker’s Schedule
Fill in the table below to plan the management of your four hens. Use the example as a guide.
| Task | Frequency | Why is this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Check Waterer | Daily | Hens can die quickly without hydration, especially in summer. |
Activity 2: Designing a Five-Star Coop
Hyline hens are vulnerable to predators (like foxes and hawks) and extreme weather. Look at the list of features below. Next to each, describe one way you would "upgrade" or check that feature to keep your four hens safe.
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The Perimeter Fence: Your Plan:
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The Nesting Boxes (1 box per 4 hens is the minimum): Your Plan:
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Ventilation (Airflow): Your Plan:
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The Perch (Where they sleep at night): Your Plan:
Activity 3: The Egg Economy (Math Challenge)
Your four Hyline hens are in peak production.
Data:
- Each hen lays 6 eggs per week.
- A bag of high-quality feed costs $32.00 and lasts 4 weeks.
- A dozen (12) farm-fresh eggs can be sold to neighbors for $7.00.
Questions:
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How many eggs in total do your four hens lay in one week? Answer:
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How many full dozens can you sell per week? Answer:
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If you sell all your full dozens for $7.00 each, how much money do you make in 4 weeks? Answer:
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After paying for the $32.00 bag of feed, how much profit is left over at the end of the 4 weeks? Answer:
Activity 4: Troubleshooting (Critical Thinking)
Scenario: You go out to the coop and notice that "Goldie," one of your hens, is sitting in the corner with ruffled feathers and isn't interested in her favorite treat (mealworms).
List three steps you should take immediately:
Optional Challenge: The Boredom Buster
Chickens are intelligent! In the space below, describe or sketch an "enrichment toy" you could build for your chicken run using recycled materials to keep your hens from getting bored and pecking each other.
Answer Key
Activity 1 (Suggested Answers):
- Egg Collection (Daily): To keep eggs clean and prevent hens from learning to eat them.
- Check Feed (Daily): To ensure high protein levels for egg production.
- Clean the Coop/Poop Board (Weekly): To prevent ammonia buildup and respiratory issues.
- Check for Predators/Holes (Weekly): To ensure foxes or rats haven't chewed through the wire.
- Refresh Straw/Bedding (Weekly/Monthly): To maintain hygiene and comfort.
Activity 2 (Suggested Answers):
- Fence: Dig the wire 30cm into the ground to stop foxes tunneling.
- Nesting Boxes: Add fresh wood shavings to keep eggs from breaking.
- Ventilation: Ensure gaps are high up to let hot air out without creating a cold draft on the birds.
- Perch: Ensure it is rounded (not sharp) and higher than the nesting boxes.
Activity 3 (Math):
- 24 eggs per week (4 hens x 6 eggs).
- 2 dozen (24 / 12).
- $56.00 ($14.00 per week x 4 weeks).
- $24.00 profit ($56.00 revenue - $32.00 feed cost).
Activity 4 (Troubleshooting):
- Isolate the hen (put her in a separate cage) so she isn't bullied or spreading illness.
- Check for physical signs (mites, bound egg, or injury).
- Provide electrolytes in her water and consult a vet or experienced keeper.