2 flocks

[Alwayswantchics]

Wanting to keep 2 flocks . 1 for eggs and 1 for meat. Any advice on how I can do this would be appreciated. Already have my egg layers. Have wood to build another coop. Plan on self processing.

 

[Fred's Hens]

We almost always have two flocks. Sometimes? Three. Our barn has three main pens, so it's not an issue. We also have a tractor or two for really small groupings, for grow out pen, or breeding pens. Go for it!!!

 

[Alwayswantchics]

How do I switch out my egg layers. They were gifts from a friend and I don't know how old they are. I've had then since May? There are five hens and I get between three and two eggs a day.

 

[Fred's Hens]

How do I switch out my egg layers. They were gifts from a friend and I don't know how old they are. I've had then since May? There are five hens and I get between three and two eggs a day.

There are basically two methods employed to maintain a supply of eggs. Either the entire flock gets replaced, virtually, at the 2 year mark (all out, all in method) or there are a constant in put of spring pullets raised. I prefer the latter method and it is what I do. Every spring/summer we raise a bunch of pullets. In the past, we'd purchase some and hatch some, but now we only hatch our own which we have bred. This gives us an infusion of First Year pullets every year, as they are almost always your best winter layers.

We are also culling. Any hen that show herself to be non-thrifty is culled. But unless a particular hen really is something, really shapely and a good layer at the two year mark? If so, she'll be used in the spring breeding pen, however, 95% are culled by the time two seasons are completed.

This conversation is about our utility laying birds and does not apply to our heritage fowl.