Poultry Inspector Interview Preparation Guide

Roosters are VERY noisy, and contrary to popular belief, they don't just crow in the morning. They crow all day long. Hens are much quieter -- you basically won't hear them until they've just laid an egg, or if they're threatened.

No! Chickens take dust bathsthat keep them clean and free of pests. However, if you plan on showing your chickens in a Poultry Show, you'll want your bird looking her best, so you can wash them with a gentle cleanser and blow them dry.

A double yolked egg is not likely to hatch. An embryo may begin to develop from the germinal disc on both egg yolks, but usually there is not enough room for two chicks or the conditions are not adequate for two embryos and the chicks do not hatch.

According to research results, moderate egg consumption will not increase a person's serum cholesterol and the American Heart Association is now reporting that there is no evidence to suggest that eating eggs will increase the risk of heart disease in healthy individuals. In fact, scientists now know that eggs provide several much needed nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin which may decrease the possibility of macular degeneration. Eggs are also an excellent source of folic acid and choline.

Yes, most eggs produced for human consumption are produced this way and are non-fertile.

Eggs that are very fresh are usually more difficult to peal. As the egg ages the pH changes and the shell is more easily removed. To improve peelability, start with an egg that is a few days old, hard-cook the egg, then immerse the egg in cold water and peel immediately.

They're much easier than dogs: no walking, no twice-daily feeding, no baths, no grooming. With the proper housing they're a very low-maintenance pet:

☛ Daily: a "checking on", egg collection, and closing the coop if you've let them out.
☛ As necessary: fill feed and water containers.
☛ Monthly: change bedding and remove that free fertilizer (poo) so it can be put to good use!
☛ Twice a year: a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the coop.

Eggs can be satisfactorily frozen after mixing the yolk and the albumen. It may be desirable to freeze the egg mixture in ice trays or muffin tins and then store the frozen eggs in plastic bags. The frozen eggs can be thawed in the refrigerator and used any where a whole egg is needed. Three tablespoons of liquid whole egg should be used in place of one large egg. Egg whites can be frozen satisfactorily and can also be frozen in ice trays or muffin tins. Yolks on the other hand become very gelatinous when frozen unless they are mixed with salt or sugar. To help retard the gelation, mix 1/8 teaspoon salt or 1 ½ teaspoons sugar or corn syrup per ¼ cup eggs yolks (4 large yolks).

Freezing in ice trays or muffin tins may also be desirable. When the egg yolks are used, the recipe should be adjusted to the salt or sugar already in the egg yolks.

Blood spots are the result of broken capillaries in the reproductive system. When the capillary ruptures, a drop of blood leaks out and becomes part of the egg. The presence of a blood spot does not mean the egg is fertile or that an embryo is beginning to form. Egg processors attempt to identify and remove all eggs containing blood spots before eggs go into the carton. Occasionally one is missed, but if the blood spot is small, it can be removed and the egg used. For large blood spots the egg should be discarded.

Frozen chickens and turkeys should be thawed in the refrigerator. This prevents all parts of the bird from getting warm enough to encourage the growth of spoilage bacteria before the entire birds is thawed completely. Depending on the size of the bird, two or three days may be required to complete the thawing process. If faster thawing is necessary birds can be immersed in cold water. Directions on the label concerning thawing should be followed.