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

[Farmlife16]

I currently have golden comets and I've noticed that although they are great layers they seem to have a lot of health problems. Mine are almost at the two year mark and two of my five GC are not laying. The ones that are laying do not lay the best quality of eggs anymore. The two that aren't laying have dealt with messy bum feathers as well as the secretion of yellowish liquid from their vents (egg laying issues?) this past summer/fall. I was wondering if other chicken owners have had similar experiences with production hens?

 

[Tookie]

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.

 

[BlueBaby]

I agree with @Tookie

 

[Farmlife16]

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.

Thank for your input! What other breed would you recommend as an alternative?

 

[BlueBaby]

How about the heritage one's? They were good enough for many year's.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I only have one girl that is 100% production, my Calico Princess. Super friendly and lays great even at 3. Only health issues I've noticed is lots of meat spots, nearly every egg, amd her chicks fail to be healthy. So no breeding her, but she hasn't shown any issues of health herself besides the the meatspots

 

[Tookie]

Thank for your input! What other breed would you recommend as an alternative?

For less reproduction issues try looking for breeds that don't lay as many eggs. Also look for heritage breeds.

 

[Farmlife16]

How about the heritage one's? They were good enough for many year's.

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.

 

[Farmlife16]

I only have one girl that is 100% production, my Calico Princess. Super friendly and lays great even at 3. Only health issues I've noticed is lots of meat spots, nearly every egg, amd her chicks fail to be healthy. So no breeding her, but she hasn't shown any issues of health herself besides the the meatspots

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Farmlife16]

For less reproduction issues try looking for breeds that don't lay as many eggs. Also look for heritage breeds.

I'm thinking that's what I'll have to do.