How Old is Too Old for Processing?

[DouglasPeeps]

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We LOVE chicken soup here, I am sure it would be better with our own. I just won't tell my kids!

 

[DouglasPeeps]

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Thank you for this info. I am just going to have to get up the nerve to do it.

 

[DouglasPeeps]

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Good to know. Thank you!

 

[silkiechicken]

You can do it! Read up and go for it! Takes practice and we all slip up a bit the first few times, but I'm sure you'll figure it fast!

 

[dancingbear]

Normally I'm all in favor of eating any bird you need to get rid of, but I have to ask this...you've had this bird for nine years, why, all of a sudden does she have to go? Do you think she's gonna live a lot longer? Nothing says you have to kill a bird that's old.

Or is she getting feeble, and you are planning a mercy killing?

I have a few that are on the old hen retirement plan, because they have personality, and we're attached to them. Others will be dinner some day, unless somebody happens along who wants to buy them.

 

[bheila]

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Someone had given me their hens to make soup with but it wasn't until after she gave them to me that I found out how old they were. 9, 8, 5 and 4 years old. Once I found that out I couldn't butcher the oldest ones. I figured that they had lived that long so I might as well see how much longer they will live. Besides I was curious how often people eat really old chickens and if they still taste decent.

 

[skeeter]

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if you have ever eaten stor bought caned chicken soup youve already eaten an old hen,but 9 years old,?If it were me id just feed her untill she died of old age and not eat her,that is if i had her for that long

 

[dancingbear]

Ok, now it makes sense to me! We have a few oldies, but we've had them all their lives. Are any of these old gals still laying?

 

[silkiechicken]

Well, industry "old hen" is going to be about 3 years old MAX.

Think many never eat a 9 year old hen, often because something gets to them or they are eaten first!

 

[skeeter]

yes you are right silkie I guess i missed the 9 YO part,