Are you a fan of production hens or not? If not, why?

[sniper338]

Im a heritage barred rock fan. Never had problems with them like Ive had with any other breeds.

 

[BlueBaby]

I have buff orps and an easter egger, but my buff orps haven't been laying for the past few months due to a molt. I just wish they layed more consistenly like production hens, but I guess that is the reason why production hens have more issues.

Also remember that some breed's are known as winter layer's, so you might want to look for some of those too.

 

[Farmlife16]

Also remember that some breed's are known as winter layer's, so you might want to look for some of those too.

Good point

 

[Silexian]

Like Tookie said, they lay themselves out quickly. They are hybrids. So you are at the mercy of hatchery supply for replacements. So not the best choice for the backyard chicken keeper. That doesn’t want to continuously reduce and replenish their hens.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I agree with @Tookie, I have 1 red sexlink pullet and I wouldn't buy another just because of what I've heard

 

[JedJackson]

Production varieties aren't bred for longevity. They are bred for maximum production over a two year period. Which is fine, if that is what you are looking for and you don't mind culling sick birds.

But personally I grow attached to my layers, and want them to live long, happy lives. I'm satisfied with any breed that lays over 150 eggs a year rather than 280 eggs a year. Easter eggers, Ameraucanas, heritage Rhode Island reds, Chanteclers and so many more fit the bill nicely. If I had to have a production variety I would choose black sex links any day over red sex links.

 

[Iluveggers]

I don’t dislike the individual bird of a production breed, and would love any chicken in my flock. However I don’t like supporting the increase in productivity of eggs which causes internal issues for so many of those birds. For that reason, I try to stick with heritage breeds with the occasional olive or Easter Egger (hybrid but not a production breed). We purposely have more chickens than we need of various varieties, so hopefully molting and breaks will occur at different times. My aunt had a 10 year old barred rock that still laid an egg a week before she died. I would rather less weekly eggs but lay over a long period of time and stay healthy.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I'm not a fan of them at all.
Because they lay so many eggs they are more prone to health issues, especially reproduction ones. I've dealt with many illnesses with high production breeds.

X2

Though, I've only got one currently, & gonna cull.

 

[Kanekoded]

I too have Golden Comets and while I've raised a plethora of different breeds of chickens in the past, this is my first round with GCs. So far, so good - knock on wood!! I haven't had any health issues whatsoever. Taking into consideration the fact that they are egg laying machines, I've been very mindful with what I feed them - no junk food or table scraps. Everything I feed them has a purpose aimed at their immune systems. I've found that they seem to thrive when given a little more protein, calcium, etc. than what you'd give a non-hybrid layer. That's just been my experience thus far. With all of that said, the ONLY issue I've had with them is they are too trusting and sweet which, makes it difficult to free-range them because they are more curious than afraid.

 

[Farmlife16]

Production varieties aren't bred for longevity. They are bred for maximum production over a two year period. Which is fine, if that is what you are looking for and you don't mind culling sick birds.

But personally I grow attached to my layers, and want them to live long, happy lives. I'm satisfied with any breed that lays over 150 eggs a year rather than 280 eggs a year. Easter eggers, Ameraucanas, heritage Rhode Island reds, Chanteclers and so many more fit the bill nicely. If I had to have a production variety I would choose black sex links any day over red sex links.

What qualities make black sex link better than red sex links?