dispatching last years hens...

[JackieinYorktown]

I have only 5 hens left from last springs order and have 25 new chicks soon to leave teh brooder house. Rather than merging the flocks, I am thinking that I would like to dispatch my older ones...
Are they only good for stock at this point?
THoughts?

 

[eKo_birdies]

what breeds are they?

the crockpot is your friend.....!!!!

 

[hipeatall]

If they are just a year they should still have alot of egg laying years left in them. Personally, I'd sell them on craigslist for about $10 or so each and save myself the trouble processing them for stew hens.

 

[Matt A NC]

Quote:
1 year old healthy layers run $15 each around here.

Matt

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

Every community is different. I cannot get any offers for stew hens here.

I crock pot older birds and use the cooked meat in many dishes. It can take a while for an older bird.

 

[scubaforlife]

you get about 2 years of good production from a hen. If you want to cull them, I would put them in a roasting pan at 250 for a few hours. Then pick the meat for some good pulled chicken to vacpak and freeze.

 

[terri9630]

Quote:
1 year old healthy layers run $15 each around here.

Matt

Layers go from $15-$20 around here. People will pay for a hen that will lay right away instead of waiting 4-5 months for them to start.

 

[eKo_birdies]

i just sold 6 11-month old layers for $25 a piece (4 RSLs and 2 EEs).

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
I would merge the flocks because I would not want to be out of eggs.

Once the chicks are laying, then decide what to do with the older girls. A 2 year old hen still lays and many people will pay for them.


But that is just me.

 

[eenie114]

Only a year old? They've got a lot of laying to do still! You can send 'em to me, if you want.