What do you do with deceased chickens?

[Heat]

Hey all,

I have a flock of 36 chickens, and 7 of them are reaching their 7th and 8th years. I am expecting them to start dying off from old age. I have had many people tell me to just cull them because they aren't laying much anymore, but with them being my pets they are a part of the family. Culling is not an option unless they are suffering from some ailment that I cannot fix.

So my question to you all is what do you do with you pet chickens who have passed away? I am currently giving each one their own burial.... but I can see my forested area filling up rather quickly. This morning as I was burying the latest hen I had this crazy thought of cremating my deceased chickens and spreading their ashes in the forest they so lovingly forage in, but I have no idea how to even begin looking at that process, so it is out if the question.

...so what do you do with the deceased chickens in your life?

 

[veglover]

We also just give them a loving burial and start a new compost pile on top of them. I know this might sound harsh, but I think it's a good way to use everything that the chickens have to offer, even when they are no longer with us.

 

[Heat]

We also just give them a loving burial and start a new compost pile on top of them. I know this might sound harsh, but I think it's a good way to use everything that the chickens have to offer, even when they are no longer with us.

That's actually a really good idea... and makes a lot of sense.

 

[fiberart57]

I've buried one and taken one body out to a wilderness area so she can return to the cycle of life. Mine are pets also and I just can't bring myself to put them in the trash.

I'll probably continue with the wilderness option.

Mary

 

[appps]

Now I don't know if chickens are large enough to count but know someone who used to get deceased animals from a vet friend to plant under his trees when planting his orchard. Apparently gave the new trees a huge boost.

I like the idea of burying and planting something on top, one to remember and two so they don't accidentally get dug up again lol

 

[stevodod]

If it dies, it goes in the forest. If it's getting too old and I'm too attached, I'll donate it to a free range farm. If it doesn't have a name, then it's dinner.