How to downsize?

[Ang]

I have been struggling with this question as well. If I keep buying chicks in the spring, I will eventually be full. And they will eventually quit laying eggs. I think that our solution will be to put the old hens in the freezer to feed the family. It hurts my heart some but my hens aren't pets, yk? I grew up on a farm so I don't know why I am struggling with this!

 

[NYREDS]

Quote:
If you have 100 dogs the ASPCA comes, takes them away from you, and you are on the evening news.
In most cultures in the world, including ours, chickens and dogs are regarded differently. Chickens are seen as a food source by most people.
It seems to me that your choices are simple.: keep feeding unproductive hens or accept the fact that old hens make good soup.

 

[chickenannie]

Quote:
Thanks lilchick for your story. I wonder if people know this is all going on to provide them with food.
Ang, after thinking this over for a while, I think I've decided to downsize by having about 20 hens butchered for stew hens. I can't possibly use that many myself, but I think family members will buy some. I did call the auction house to get the info, but it just doesn't feel right to me to sell these at an auction -- I'm not sure I can answer why. They will also be more valuable as meat hens in my freezer than getting a buck or two apiece for them at auction, and that in itself seems more respectful to them somehow than selling them for cheap to someone who will handle them badly and abuse them before slaughtering them.
I heard about a pet rescue farm who may have room for spent hens, but for some reason, I am nervous about the quality of their life there also, and if the place is legit. I mean how could someone afford to take in hundreds of hens and still be able to pay to feed them for years to come.
Thanks for everyone's input. I'm looking at my new little chickies (the roosters) as providing meat for the family when the time comes. It's better when you know that ahead of time.

 

[Ke11er98]

With all the new chicks my hens hatched this spring, I realized I have to downsize before my flock hits the 100 mark! I have about 30 hens that aren't producing nearly as many eggs as they are eating feed, and it's becoming ridiculously expensive for me to keep paying for their feed. These are mostly RIR hens that are 2-1/2 to 3 years old. However, I feel terrible when I think about selling them at an auction where I know other farmers sell their "spent" hens. These have been my pets and good egg-layers in the past, and I hate just using them up during their better years and then 'discarding' them. I don't want to use their meat either -- I feel too close to them, ya know?
I have several people lined up who want hens, but they want high-producing, young hens, not these. How do you'all handle this?

How do u sell the chickens???

 

[Mrs. K]

I bought older hens last year after a wreck, and they definitely did not lay all winter, but I am getting nice eggs now. I have chicks in the garage and will be culling some birds in the fall to make everything fit.

I think you would get some takers- a lot of people only want table eggs, and not have to sell eggs. Sell them that way.

Mrs K

 

[TwoShepherds]

I sold some 2 year-old hens on Craigslist fairly easily last year, and I've also sold my hatchery oops cockerels and extra barnyard mix chicks as well. The cheaper I price them the faster they go it seems, but it might be worth a try if you don't want to process them yourself.

 

[Ke11er98]

I bought older hens last year after a wreck, and they definitely did not lay all winter, but I am getting nice eggs now. I have chicks in the garage and will be culling some birds in the fall to make everything fit.

I think you would get some takers- a lot of people only want table eggs, and not have to sell eggs. Sell them that way.

Mrs K

Thank you mess

I bought older hens last year after a wreck, and they definitely did not lay all winter, but I am getting nice eggs now. I have chicks in the garage and will be culling some birds in the fall to make everything fit.

I think you would get some takers- a lot of people only want table eggs, and not have to sell eggs. Sell them that way.

I bought older hens last year after a wreck, and they definitely did not lay all winter, but I am getting nice eggs now. I have chicks in the garage and will be culling some birds in the fall to make everything fit.

I think you would get some takers- a lot of people only want table eggs, and not have to sell eggs. Sell them that way.

Mrs K

thank you mrs K

 

[Iluveggers]

Maybe sell them in pairs, a newer layer and her “ mentor” layer together.