Have 24, 4 breeds. One runt barred rock has not developed as fast as others. Only one not clucking. Still just a squeaky chirp, so I call her Chirpy. I hope she never clucks and I do not really care if she lays an egg or not. Mine all have guaranteed hatchery-to-grave care and will not be eaten even after their egg-laying days are over if we can help it. They are simple, affectionate and trusting creatures who only feed us and look to us for protection, so I figure they can just live out their lives in peace here at our place. If times get really bad for us tho, I may be forced to modify that approach . Otherwise, our flock is in chicken heaven for now.
