Getting rid of chickens? AKA putting them in the freezer?

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chrisxweaver

chrisxweaver

In the Brooder
Oct 30, 2016
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I have 3 hens aprox. 7 months and Im not sure if I should get rid of them or not. First its becoming summer time here in southern california and it gets to about 120 degrees its only 95 and there misserable. Second im going to be busy this summer. Third I need all the money I can get. I plan to get rid of them the same day I get rid of my meat birds. These chickens are more of a experience to me than pets. The reason I need all the money is Because I am saving to buy land when I get older yea $15 extra bucks a month isnt alot but it can add up these next few years. So like I said these are birds to teach me how to raise chickens and the homesteading life cycle. My parents say its wrong and they judge me harshly for it and guve me a dirty look beacuse they swear that the meat that they get from the store is any better. Basically would It be wrong for me to kill my chickens just beacuse i dont have the time or money? Also if anyone lives in lower california and is intrested in maybe buying these hens text me at (760) 356-0574
 
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Go ahead and butcher them without guilt. They have probably had a better life as well as longer life than those chickens bought from the store and eaten. Chickens should be a joy not a burden. Maybe your parents want to take the chickens off your hands, otherwise it isn't their decision.

When you find new homes for chickens it isn't always a better situation. You can try posting them in the for sale forum on this site or your states forum if there's one.
 
As said, your chickens have no doubt led a better life than the ones that your parents buy at the store. If you are planning on meat birds I assume you are comfortable with the task. If you want to harvest your birds, do so with out guilt. If it would cause less tension between you and your parents then consider selling them. No idea what they go for in your area, but around here about $20 is pretty common for a laying hen. You can make a few dollars and keep the peace.
 
chrisxweaver said:
I have 3 hens aprox. 7 months and Im not sure if I should get rid of them or not. First its becoming summer time here in southern california and it gets to about 120 degrees its only 95 and there misserable. Second im going to be busy this summer. Third I need all the money I can get. I plan to get rid of them the same day I get rid of my meat birds. These chickens are more of a experience to me than pets. The reason I need all the money is Because I am saving to buy land when I get older yea $15 extra bucks a month isnt alot but it can add up these next few years. So like I said these are birds to teach me how to raise chickens and the homesteading life cycle. My parents say its wrong and they judge me harshly for it and guve me a dirty look beacuse they swear that the meat that they get from the store is any better. Basically would It be wrong for me to kill my chickens just beacuse i dont have the time or money? Also if anyone lives in lower california and is intrested in maybe buying these hens text me at (760) 356-0574
Click to expand...
Ahh, you're fine. Just my $0.02 but all birds should end up in the pot in the end anyway. If they don't, they end up going to waste and there's too many hungry people in the world. I'm not downing anyone that keeps them as pets, to each his own, but my view is that livestock is raised for supper at some point in their lives. I always feel bad when I lose a bird but it's mostly because it went to waste.
 
FYI a 7 month old female is a pullet, not a hen.
You might be able to sell them...close to or already laying, many would be interested.
Otherwise, go ahead and send them in with the meat birds.
 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with processing chickens you don't have the time or money for, or just don't desire to keep. I think it's quite responsible. I would, however, suggest trying to sell those pullets before processing them. You may get more for them that way.
 
I agree with everybody. I have no shame of killing these birds I already had the mind set when I got my meat birds. Its my parents ( Mom and grandma) when i say it they just kinda shake there heads and I try to explain to them that the meat is amazing and the way i butcher my animals is with respect and is way better than store bought chickens but they still dont want to listen.
 
chrisxweaver said:
I agree with everybody. I have no shame of killing these birds I already had the mind set when I got my meat birds. Its my parents ( Mom and grandma) when i say it they just kinda shake there heads and I try to explain to them that the meat is amazing and the way i butcher my animals is with respect and is way better than store bought chickens but they still dont want to listen.
Click to expand...


Maybe Mom and Grandma would like to buy those nice pullets from you...
 

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