Hen with a bad attitude, wavering on what to do

[sassy dallas chickens]

try to remove her from the flock for a little bit. that is what I did with my chicken I worked for me.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I'm sorry, I'm pretty soft hearted too but a lot of people try to be more self-sufficent, and that includes butchering livestock. I threw up the first time I butchered extra cockerels but its gotten easier...there are a few I wouldn't touch tho...my favs

Mine are all pets, but I see nothing wrong with putting them to other uses, especially if you cull your roos anyhow, I mean, just add her in to the mix Sounds like she is causing everyone a lot of grief! I guess that would not be possible if she is a pet. I have one that never is friendly to me and screeches and scratches every time I handle her! She is still my pet for now, although I may rehome her to someone that just wants an egg layer.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Temperament is very hereditary. That is why I decided NOT to breed a beautiful and talented mare that I had. Her temperament was the worst of any horse I have ever owned. While she was a great beauty, and while she was fast and often in the ribbons, I did not want that temperament in any foal she might produce.

That is one of several reasons I evaluate Roos based on temperament too. Not only do I not want to deal with mean roos, but I don’t want a roo beating up on my girls. And I don’t want that meanness in my flock gene pool. Pretty only goes so far. Temperament is huge in my book.

Definitely agree with that! I would choose temperament above all else, nothing can make you more miserable than having an animal with a horrible temperament and that will also be passed on to future generations.

 

[Mrs. K]

Always solve for the peace of the flock. That stress reduces their laying too.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

If she's livestock then she needs to go. She's effecting your entire flock's ability to earn their keep.
You already know that the losses she's causing are unacceptable. Even if she layed you 300 eggs a year that you could sell for $5/dozen without fail (which I doubt she does) and never broke a single egg, three clutches of chicks can easily reach the couple hundred dollars a year she'd make you. Your losses are more than what you make off her, drastically so.
On top of that, from a moralistic standpoint she's costing the lives of other living beings by trashing nests full of almost developed chicks.
Not to mention you don't want her to pass on that awful attitude to either chicks or other people.
So it seems like you already have your answer. Because the other option is to find a way to keep her as a pet. Unless you're willing to pay money to keep her around and budget her in, a stewpot is as much of a useful, respectful end as it is for any rooster.

 

[lomine]

If she's livestock then she needs to go. She's effecting your entire flock's ability to earn their keep.
You already know that the losses she's causing are unacceptable. Even if she layed you 300 eggs a year that you could sell for $5/dozen without fail (which I doubt she does) and never broke a single egg, three clutches of chicks can easily reach the couple hundred dollars a year she'd make you. Your losses are more than what you make off her, drastically so.
On top of that, from a moralistic standpoint she's costing the lives of other living beings by trashing nests full of almost developed chicks.
Not to mention you don't want her to pass on that awful attitude to either chicks or other people.
So it seems like you already have your answer. Because the other option is to find a way to keep her as a pet. Unless you're willing to pay money to keep her around and budget her in, a stewpot is as much of a useful, respectful end as it is for any rooster.

That’s a really logical way to look at it. I was mostly hesitant because she is a decent layer but you’re right, her eggs aren’t worth it.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

That’s a really logical way to look at it. I was mostly hesitant because she is a decent layer but you’re right, her eggs aren’t worth it.

I think you can most likely find another decent layer Is the stress and unhappiness worth her keep? Or would chicken, mash potatoes and creamy mushroom gravy make you feel more relaxed?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Sitting hens should all have a private nursery or pen all to their lonesome to incubate in. I am sorry about your broken eggs but you want eggs then you should collect them multiple times each day.

 

[aart]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think you've affirmed what I think already knew I needed to do. I will cull her when I do the extra cockerels. It will be a bit different since this is my first hen but I think the rest of the flock will be better off for it.

The first hen slaughter is tough, different than cockerels for sure, especially an active layer with eggs in process inside. An inactive layer may have gobs of fat, which if you or someone you know like schmaltz may be a bonus. But you can do it, it's for the good of the flock and she will make for a mighty tasty stock/stew/broth. I sell or slaughter 2 and 3 year old hens every fall to make room for the new pullets and get space sorted for the long winter in my limited space.

I just had to remove 2 trouble maker hens, tho I sent them to a processor with a friends 8 cockerels and 4 rabbits as I didn't want to set up/clean up for doing just 2 birds. One was a compulsive neurotic who constantly disrupted the flock in the nests much like yours did, tho no broodies were at risk as I separate them. Another who had a funky shell gland, couldn't lay an intact egg to save her life (literally), causing messy nests and a few birds who actively scouted(more disruption) so they could eat those weak eggs. Both birds got some 'therapy' for weeks before I decided they had to go. The whole flock was instantly more harmonious and egg production went up significantly within 2 days.

ok, we all get the point. no need for untasteful (to me) humor about eating her.

With all due respect...Might be a good idea for you to avoid reading, and commenting, on threads where eating chickens is discussed(and 'joked' about) as part of keeping them. I know I avoid 'pet' chicken threads as I personally don't subscribe to that culture.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Sitting hens should all have a private nursery or pen all to their lonesome to incubate in. I am sorry about your broken eggs but you want eggs then you should collect them multiple times each day.

x2