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It is unusual because they are egg laying machines and do not tend to live as long as breeds that don't lay so intensively. She was an exception. All my other hybrids from the same hatch died much earlier, a couple at 2 to 3 years and some at 4 to 5 years old. She outlasted them all!

That had to hurt. I'm sorry that happened. I have a new biggest fear now.. That would devastate me. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you! Just illustrating the difference between vet or home treat or cull in my personal decision making. I think it must be rare for this to happen. I've had many...

That is expensive feed! I have had similar experience with vets. Where I live they know no more than I do about chickens, and probably less. I can treat worms, ascites, bumblefoot, etc better by myself. But if I had a chicken with a serious wound (beyond my skills to fix) or a nasty infection...

I know right. I haven't spent that in the last 10 years combined on my chickens! My dog and cat however are another much more expensive story....!

Feed here has got more expensive. Maybe 3 or so years ago, it was only around £6 or £7 for the same size bag and had been that price for a long time.

Yeah, I did put a comma inbetween feed and vets fees! I didn't mention how much I spend (except on a bag of feed). Maybe you mixed me up with another poster who has like a gazillion chickens and a farm?

Just at my local feed store. I'm in the UK, and there are about 4 or 5 main poultry feed manufacturers here. What do you put in your home made feed?

Fair point. It is sad and shocking that so much poverty exists in one of the richest countries in the world. I hope you all cast your votes in December with careful thought. We've screwed ourselves here in the UK for years ahead.

I appreciate your input, thank you. Very interesting.

😂 uppity. Quite probably! I get frustrated because I care. And I'm also a bit rebellious, can't you tell? 😁 I'm glad we've agreed to disagree. This debate is going on much longer than I anticipated. I've learned a lot though, and understand that we all have different approaches.

I totally understand your point, and it is very valid. But nobody here is a subsistence farmer in the developing world. I'm talking about western economy backyard chicken keepers.

@GmaTrish I believe, no it is a scientific fact, that animals including humans evolved. I see no factual evidence that animals were "put here" for humans to use. You were not the only person I have seen say this on here recently, so i wanted to address that. I don't mean to offend your...

Not everybody subscribes to this belief system. Can people please leave religion out of animal husbandry.

That's great and they are a very rewarding animal to keep, whether for hobby or food purposes. My issue is with people who decide to keep them whilst not being able to afford the basics in care, medical treatment, shelter and nutrition. You shouldn't get a dog if you can't afford vets bills...

OMG you would not believe what it is like in London. I love that city but would never choose to live there again. You only have to compare the driving style there and where i live to see a snapshot of the mentality. 'Everyone for themselves, the road belongs to me, get out of my way, I don't...

Agree totally

Thank you for your insight. I really appreciate it. Land is so expensive here (unless you are in the north) that it is a way of life that isn't available to many. Conversely many farming families leave the land because the industry isn't very sustainable any more, plus the adult children often...

I am all for quality of life rather than money. That's why I am self employed so I can choose my own hours. Still got to earn money to live though! I know what you mean about quality of meat. I buy a lot of meat from a local farmer who raises and butchers it all on site (not intensive farming...

I am very envious of you as I would love to live like that. Unfortunately it is not really viable for me without also earning cash as well and having a large lump sum to invest at the outset in buying the property and setting it all up. I have found a sort of halfway compromise by living in a...

I totally get that. It is fascinating for me to try and understand how the culture of homesteading is so strong in the US compared to the UK. Do you think this is because of your more recent (relatively speaking) history of exploring, settling and living off newly acquired land. We Europeans...