Yes! This ^^^^^ exactly! I've only butchered one hen and that was because she was a really nasty, mean creature that pecked at me every chance she got and picked on the other birds as well. This year I did start selling off a few of the hens that don't fit into my breeding program, but I've got so many beautiful and sweet birds that I find it too easy to make excuses to keep them....especially if they're good egg producers. I've always got people wanting eggs. Ironically though, it's my roosters who wind up being the sweetest birds. I've got at least three right now that don't fit into any of my breeding programs but those boys are so affectionate with my family and myself that none of us can stand the idea of butchering them. And since my freezer is currently well-stocked I'm finding it far too easy to put off doing the deed.
we do cull old hens though, perfect stew pot guest.
I think that quite a lot of us will be busy building new coops pretty soon!!!!
