in with new and out with the old

[tav1]

right now my reds are about 2 1/2 yrs old , I know there not gonna last for ever so what's
a good age to rotate your hen stock with new and younger hens.

 

[sourland]

I like to replace roughly a third of the flock yearly - keeping productive birds and pets longer.

 

[Folly's place]

x2. Some birds stay forever (oldest died at ten years of age), some to the freezer, some to other homes, and a few to hawks, and illness. I replace a few every year, both broody raised here, and outside chicks. I cull down to about 35 birds for winter, including a couple of extra cockrels, who all have to get along together. Your hens are definitely going to produce fewer eggs, and some chicks in spring will be a very good idea. I like variety, and different egg colors, so it's fun to catalog shop too! Mary