How Old R.I.R.s When They Lay Off Laying?

[kjfrogster41]

My three R.I.R.s are almost 3 years old. A friend and fellow hen owner says they are near the end of their regular egg laying life. He says rather than sink any more care and money in to them, I should have them offed/killed, plucked and ready them for eating.

Experienced hen keepers, especially of Rhode Island Reds, any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I don't have RIRs, but have a BO and a PBR which are also good egg laying breeds. They are four years old now and still laying well. My EEs are a bit slower now, but I'm not surprised. I also do not provide artificial light in the winter, so they have that period of rest which I believe may contribute to an extended laying life. (I'm not certain, but makes sense to me)

Part of this question, of course, will be linked to your whole philosophy of raising chickens. Personally, I'm prepared to have freeloaders if they live beyond their egg laying years. But, I'm not a serious farmer, and my four hens are, sort of, pets with benefits.

Good luck with your decision

 

[kjfrogster41]

Dear True BYC Addict;
I guess your handle says it all. I have fought the temptation to see my sweet dears, who I hand-raised from flufy yellow darlings, as "pets".

This is my very first stab at being a byc person. I could go on (but won't) about how funny, interesting and loving these 3 girls are, each with a very distinct personality. Sigh!

I am trying to be more the pragmatic farmer than the dabling hobbist. Perhaps I just need to face reality?
Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Farmer Viola]

My three R.I.R.s are almost 3 years old. A friend and fellow hen owner says they are near the end of their regular egg laying life. He says rather than sink any more care and money in to them, I should have them offed/killed, plucked and ready them for eating.

Experienced hen keepers, especially of Rhode Island Reds, any advice?

Thanks!

are they declining in the number of eggs they lay? If not, I wouldn't do it just because they're 3! I have heard of hens who laid longer than that, it just depends on the hen. Unless you are wanting new chicks..?

some people try to stagger ages, so they add a few pullets each year so that there is sort of a rotation taking out the older hens each year.