What to do with chickens you don't want

[Backcountrychickens]

I was thinking about maybe doing a few breeds with my backyard flock, but I realized that I can't keep them all, and if no one wanted the chicks what could I do? Lots of sights say butcher them. I cannot do that as my partner is vegetarian and is very against that.
any ideas?

 

[BobStuart]

Give them to a friend or family member or neighbour. Just give it away to anyone if you want.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Rehome? I often rehome my birds on Craigslist. Here's an article on how to post on there if you've never posted on there before: How To Post On Craigslist

Another thing you can do is post them in your State thread. Find Your State's or Your Country's Thread.

 

[Backcountrychickens]

Ok thanks!

 

[arizona_chicken_noob]

As chickens are food (to many), you can probably give away any number of them for free.

I have the same qualms as your partner so I just buy sexed chicks and let others maintain the breeds

 

[Sally PB]

I was thinking about maybe doing a few breeds with my backyard flock, but I realized that I can't keep them all, and if no one wanted the chicks what could I do? Lots of sights say butcher them. I cannot do that as my partner is vegetarian and is very against that.
any ideas?

1) limit the number of eggs you set
2) think about what to do with your chicks when nobody wants them. This could happen.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Buy sexed chicks or started pullets.
Sell unwanted birds on craigslist.
Last ditch effort would be giving them away free.

Plan on an occasional oops male. Those I used to give away. My city changed the rule and now as long as no one complains we can keep them.
A big YEAH for my oops rooster I got last March.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I was thinking about maybe doing a few breeds with my backyard flock, but I realized that I can't keep them all, and if no one wanted the chicks what could I do? Lots of sights say butcher them. I cannot do that as my partner is vegetarian and is very against that.
any ideas?

You could post them here in your state thread, the for sale thread, and rehoming thread.
There's also placing flyers at your farm supply stores like Tractor Supply, and also local Facebook groups and Craigslist for sale in farm and garden section. Search 'chickens' and a whole slew of free and for sale with pop up. Others buy birds cheap to slaughter or for their flocks, all ages.

 

[Mrs. K]

Join a poultry club, or work with the local 4-H. Contact your local extension office for ideas and Contacts for both. Sharing this hobby with others just multiplied the fun!

 

[BDutch]

1) limit the number of eggs you set
2) think about what to do with your chicks when nobody wants them. This could happen.

Limiting numbers is also important because broodies and chicks need a lot of space too.

I always managed to give give away the cockerels for free to join a flock of hens. My chickens are not interesting for meat because they are so small. The hens are always easy to sell. I advertise for free on a Dutch ‘Marketplace’ like Craigs list. Sometimes it takes up to 2 -3 months to rehome the cockerels but I always succeeded.