Hello-first time poster, quick question. I am absolutely intrigued by the idea of having backyard chickens and eggs for my DH and myself. However, the thought of buying them knowing that in a few years (2-4?) they will stop producing eggs and I will have to sell them off to slaughter makes me not want to do it at all. How long do chickens live? After they stop laying, can I simply get another and "retire" the ex-layer to live out the remainder of her days? I know this ay sound silly to many of you but I'vv met me, and I know I will become very attached to these creatures.
Thanks!

Thanks!