2 questions

[Ridgerunner]

I process the older birds every year. I raise new pullets every year. Sounds exactly like your plan. It takes a couple of years to get the rotation working, but you have the idea.

Once I've paid to feed them through a molt, I want them to lay until the next molt. To me that is the most efficient.

During the winter you are not going to have that many eggs because it is only the pullets laying for the most part. The eggs will be smaller too. During the latter part of the laying season you'll be swamped with eggs once the new pullets kick in. It's hard to be consistent in number throughout the year.

Something else to consider. If you hatch your own (which is what I do) how much chicken can you eat in a year? Each hatch can vary widely but over time you will average about 50-50 male/female. Are you planning on eating most of your males in addition to the older hens? That’s a lot of chicken to eat plus you will need a big freezer.

 

[thoth3g]

I process the older birds every year. I raise new pullets every year. Sounds exactly like your plan. It takes a couple of years to get the rotation working, but you have the idea.

Once I've paid to feed them through a molt, I want them to lay until the next molt. To me that is the most efficient.

During the winter you are not going to have that many eggs because it is only the pullets laying for the most part. The eggs will be smaller too. During the latter part of the laying season you'll be swamped with eggs once the new pullets kick in. It's hard to be consistent in number throughout the year.

Something else to consider. If you hatch your own (which is what I do) how much chicken can you eat in a year? Each hatch can vary widely but over time you will average about 50-50 male/female. Are you planning on eating most of your males in addition to the older hens? That’s a lot of chicken to eat plus you will need a big freezer.

Oh, that does add to the equation. We do have a deep freezer. I was hoping to get a larger number of females to males but I suppose it could be 50/50 or the other way right? Well, chicken is one of our main staples. The wife is looking to start a fresh veggie garden along with the chicken and egg production. We might even start canning. Perhaps one of us will get a prep license and hit the farmers market. (might not even have to but I don't think you can sell meat or anything at the farmers market here without one)