Professional Poultry Inspector Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Do you know how Big Are Chickens?

"Standard" chickens weigh 4-7 pounds depending on the breed and the sex (roosters weigh more than hens). "Bantam" chickens -- which are the same as standard chickens, only smaller -- weigh 1-2 pounds.

2. Tell me can Chickens Fly?

Sort of. Smaller (lighter) breeds, and "bantams" -- which are the same as "standard" breeds but about 1/4 the size -- can fly 25-50 feet and will roost in trees if allowed to. Heavier breeds have much more limited flight.

3. Tell us what Are The Stringy White Things In Eggs?

The stringy white portion of the egg is called the chalazae. It is there to anchor the yolk in the center of the egg. The presence of a prominent chalazae is actually an indication that the egg is fresh because as the egg ages the chalazae becomes less noticeable.

4. Tell me do Cats Attack Chickens?

In the vast majority of cases, no, but you do hear of this once in a while. Most cats are more intimidated by grown chickens than chickens are of them. Baby chicks are more at risk because they're helpless, but again in our experience cats aren't interested in them. Better to take precautions, though!

5. Tell me how Can I Tell If An Egg Is Fertile?

To determine if an egg is fertile, incubate it for a few days and then candle it to see if cell division has begun.

6. Tell me are Brown Eggs Healthier Than White Eggs?

No, the color of the egg has no effect on how healthy it is. However, how chickens are kept DOES have an effect on how healthy the eggs are!

7. Do you know what Are Certified Egg Production Flocks?

Certified egg production flocks are those flocks that comply with the guidelines established by the United Egg Producers organization. To be certified, flocks must meet requirements in housing and cage space allowance, beak trimming, molting, transportation and handling.

8. Tell me how Old Are Chickens When They Begin To Lay Eggs?

Under optimum conditions; good nutrition, ideal day length, adequate housing and good management practices, most layers should begin egg production at about 20-22 weeks of age.

9. Tell me why Do Chickens Lay Different-colored Eggs?

They just do! Different breeds lay different-colored eggs. Eggs come in many different colors - light brown, deep chocolate brown, white, off-white, pinkish and even green and blue! Some also lay speckled eggs.

A couple of key facts:

☛ An individual bird's eggs will remain basically the same color all the time.
☛ There can be variation in the shade of egg colors amongst individuals within a breed, but not the base color (brown, white, blue etc.).
☛ One way to tell what color egg a chicken will lay is to look at her earlobe! A hen with a white earlobe will always lay white eggs, whereas hens with red earlobes can lay brown, blue or green eggs.
☛ Araucana and Ameraucana breeds, also known as the "Easter Egg Chickens", famously lay varying shades of green and blue eggs.

10. Explain me do Chickens Really "come Home To Roost"?

Yes! Chickens will come back to the same place to sleep every night -- so you can let your chickens roam your yard during the day and when it gets dark they will return to their coop to catch up on their beauty rest. (A "roost" is a pole they perch on, which they much prefer to sleeping on the ground.)