Instructions
- Read the Chicken Management Guide provided in each section to understand the needs of your four Hyline hens.
- Complete the tasks in order: starting with daily care routines and moving toward design and budgeting.
- Use the data provided to calculate space requirements and feed costs.
- If you finish early, attempt the Golden Egg Challenge at the end of the worksheet.
Curriculum Links (WA)
- Science (ACSSU111): Interactions between organisms, including the effects of human activities.
- Design and Technologies (ACTDEK032): Investigate how food and fibre are produced in managed environments.
- Mathematics (ACMMG159): Calculate volumes and surface areas for simple prisms (coop design).
Section 1: The Daily Routine
Hyline Browns are famous for being high-output egg layers. To keep them healthy and productive, you must establish a strict routine.
Task: Complete the table below by identifying the frequency of each task and why it is important for the hens' health.
| Task | Frequency (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) | Purpose (Why do we do this?) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Check Water | Daily | Hens can't sweat; they need clean water to regulate temperature and produce eggs. |
| Collect Eggs | ||
| Refresh Shell Grit | ||
| Clean Droppings Board | ||
| Deep Litter Change | ||
| Check Feed Levels | ||
| Health Check (Eyes/Vent) |
Section 2: Designing the Chicken Run
For four Hyline hens to be happy, they need adequate space.
- Inside the Coop: Minimum 0.4 square metres (sqm) per bird.
- Outside in the Run: Minimum 1.5 square metres (sqm) per bird.
Calculation Task:
-
How much total space (in square metres) do you need inside the coop for 4 hens? Answer: ____ sqm
-
How much total space (in square metres) do you need for the outdoor run? Answer: ____ sqm
-
The Layout: If your outdoor run is a rectangle that is 2 metres wide, how long must it be to satisfy the requirements for 4 hens? Answer: ____ metres long
Section 3: The Nutrition Station
Hyline hens are like high-performance athletes. Because they lay almost every day, they need specific nutrients.
Matching Activity: Draw a line or write the letter to match the item to its function.
| Item | Function |
|---|---|
| A. Layer Pellets | ( ) Helps the hen grind up food in her gizzard. |
| B. Shell Grit | ( ) Provides extra protein for feather growth during molting. |
| C. Mealworms | ( ) The main diet containing 16-18% protein and calcium. |
| D. Kitchen Scraps | ( ) Essential for strong, hard eggshells. |
| E. Calcium Blocks | ( ) Occasional treats (no onions, garlic, or avocado!). |
Section 4: Budgeting for Breakfast
It’s time to see if your backyard eggs are cheaper than the supermarket!
The Facts:
- 4 hens lay approximately 25 eggs per week total.
- A 20kg bag of feed costs $28.00.
- Your 4 hens eat a total of 3.5kg of feed per week.
Questions:
-
How many weeks will one 20kg bag of feed last? (Round to the nearest week) Answer: ____ weeks
-
What is the cost of feeding your hens per week? ($28.00 divided by the number of weeks the bag lasts) Answer: $____
-
If a dozen eggs at the shop costs $6.00, is your backyard setup saving you money on the 2 dozen eggs you get per week? Explain.
Response: _____
Section 5: The Golden Egg Challenge (Optional Extension)
Scenario: It is a 40°C summer day in Western Australia. You notice one of your Hyline hens is standing with her wings held away from her body and her beak open, panting.
- Identify the problem: ___
- List three immediate actions you would take to save the hen:
- Action 1: _____
- Action 2: _____
- Action 3: _____
Answer Key
Section 1: The Daily Routine
- Collect Eggs: Daily (To prevent breakage/eating eggs)
- Refresh Shell Grit: Weekly (To ensure calcium intake)
- Clean Droppings Board: Daily/Every 2 days (To reduce ammonia/flies)
- Deep Litter Change: Monthly (To manage hygiene/smell)
- Check Feed Levels: Daily (Hylines have high metabolisms)
- Health Check: Weekly (To catch mites or respiratory issues early)
Section 2: Designing the Chicken Run
- 1.6 sqm (4 x 0.4)
- 6.0 sqm (4 x 1.5)
- 3 metres long (2m x 3m = 6sqm)
Section 3: The Nutrition Station
- A: Main diet
- B: Grinding food
- C: Protein for feathers
- D: Occasional treats
- E: Strong eggshells
Section 4: Budgeting for Breakfast
- Approx 6 weeks (20 / 3.5 = 5.7)
- Approx $4.66 per week ($28 / 6)
- Yes. 2 dozen shop eggs = $12.00. Your cost = $4.66. You save over $7.00 per week.
Section 5: Golden Egg Challenge
- Heat stress/Overheating.
- Actions: Provide ice in water, move to shade, mist with cool water, or provide a frozen watermelon treat.