January
Make sure all hens are wormed then give them minerals and vitamins. I recommend Flubenvent as it seems to kill worms that other compounds do not eradicate. For minerals I use poultry boost after worming which includes minerals and vitamins. I also provide hens with grated boiled carrot mixed with layers mash to compensate for the lack of grass at this time of year. Also make sure they have plenty of grit. To increase laying at this time of darkness use artificial light while hens are indoors, perhaps an extra hour at the beginning and end of the day after it has gone dark and the hens are back inside. This can be increased perhaps half an hour each week. Do not extend the artificial day longer than 12 hours however as this puts too much strain on the birds affecting egg quality and eventually the health of the stock in the long term.

February
Eggs collected can be stored up to 14 days before commencing hatching, eggs need to be turned once a day while stored and need to be in a cool place away from sunlight. Only select perfect eggs. They need to be a good shape, not too big or too small and also of good colour. Eggs will take about 21 days to hatch whether in an incubator or under a hen. After 7 days of incubation eggs can be candled to see if they are fertile. Eggs are held and a special bulb is held against the egg. Eggs should also be candled before incubation to check for perforations and flaws in the eggs.