What to do with old hens?

[Popsy]

We are (hopefully) moving within the next 6 months and I'm not sure what to do with my old hens. I plan to move the 3 young hens and Leroy the rooster. The old hens are 3 -4 years old and still lay the occasional egg. I had thought about putting an ad on craigslist to see if I could find them good homes. Any other suggestions? I prefer not to have to butcher them.

 

[poultrycrazy]

Put an add on BYC im sure someone would be happy to take them, if not is there a farm around you that might take some hens?

Matt

 

[donrae]

Go for the Craigslist ad. You said you don't want to butcher them, do you mind if someone else does? You could offer them as stewing hens.

 

[girlychick]

Maybe sell them on BYC saying u want a loving home and wouldn't want them butchered. Or maybe give them to a trustworthy friend

 

[Yazzo]

I would keep em, but if you really can't, I think it would be a good idea to put them in the "Pets" category on Craigslist. I think a lot more people look at that category, and it might attract the kind of people you want the hens going to, especially if you ask a small 'adoption fee'.

 

[joebryant]

I foresee myself building another coop for the old and indigent. 'tain't no sense to it; it's just the way it is. Needless to say (so why am I saying it?), it doesn't make any sense; it's just the way it is.

 

[Chick Charm]

Have no fear! Chicken (especially hens) are worth their weight in gold (especially on this website). Put the word out and someone will care for them for sure. If I had them that long I probably wouldn't eat them either. Lots of people (even city folk) will be willing to make pet out of a old hen.

 

[Popsy]

Thanks everyone. I really prefer they not be butchered. Since I've put a light in their coop, the old girls are starting to lay pretty good again. Out of 15 hens I got 7 eggs yesterday.

Depending on when our move takes place, I may try to bring them along, but if not, I'll put an ad on this forum. We already call this the geriatric farm since we have 5 horses that are over 25 years old.

 

[crazyhen]

Quote:
I am thinking the same thing Joe! I have named them for "petes sake" I can't kill them. What to do??????????? An old age home sounds nice to me.

Now to convince my hb that it is needed. He does not like that I have them anyway.

Just to figure out how to get it done. hummmmmm Gloria Jean

 

[swimmer]

Any petting zoo's/farms in the area. They will usually take a few birds off your hands.