Hens past their prime

[tiffster011]

I was just wondering what you do with your pet chickens that are no longer laying eggs. We haven't encountered this, but I know I couldn't eat my pet chicken. Do you have a few chicken that you consider to be pets and the rest are simply for meat and laying eggs
I am asking in advance because I don't think I could chop the head off one of my pets, and I definitely don't think I could eat it... ??

 

[mamaKate]

My chickens are here for the duration. If they lay fewer eggs- get more chickens!

 

[Mahonri]

I've found outlets to rehome my birds.

I've become a real softy. My kids REALLY want me to show them how to dress a bird and eat it but I don't think I can do it anymore.

20 years ago, I would have processed a chicken in a heartbeat... now... can't do it.

 

[tiffster011]

If you keep adding birds, Do you have to make an additional tractor for the new chickens so they aren't crowded?

 

[enola]

I have 3 chickens that are pets, meaning I will not eat or sell them.

Don't get me wrong, I do love my chickens, but they have a job to do....

I have one hen here right now that is headed to the stew pot, or as Mike says, she would probably be better roasted..... She is laying one egg a week, so she is not paying for herself. I guess I could hatch that egg, but, why raise more hens that will lay one egg a week ??? I certainly wouldn't want to raise poor layers, or sell them to someone else as a layer.

But, when my hens are past their prime, I will either eat them or sell them. Meaning who ever buys them will probably be eating them anyway.

 

[tiffster011]

Quote:
Where do you rehome your birds in AZ... I would like to do that as well some day.

 

[Danigirl3]

If you can freerange that are great for insect control. Several years ago I had some that were useless as layers but definately earned their keep as exterminaters

 

[simplyscrambled]

I have a very old hen, about 8 probably, I have no idea. And now I'd like to make more room for some chicks I hatched, and my legal limit is 6 hens. So I'm listening too, about what outlets you've found! And as old as she is, I can't think she'd be very good eating, either...

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
I like your thinking! thats me too!

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

We give them a fair retirement for their hard labor and services. They'll live to be old ladies and live out the rest of their lives until they go to the great big veggie garden in the sky.