It’s time to cull my older hens but I feel so sad at the thought

[Bonwell]

I’ve been keeping a backyard flock for 4 years now, adding new chicks each spring and now I have a flock of 35 birds, which is probably too many for my space. The older hens have stopped laying I am sure, but they are top of the pecking order and eat the most food, etc. I need to cull about 10 to 15 birds and I plan to start in October after the weather cools down. But you know what? I don’t look forward to this job at all. When they were young they provided us with so many eggs. And I don’t think it’s easy for them. I don’t name my hens but I recognize each one. Has anyone else hesitated to cull their older birds? How do you do what needs to be done? Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’d be interested in hearing your experience.

I have 31 atm, many don't lay, but I don't mind. I just keep em on as pets.

 

[artsyrobin]

My oldest hen is 15, no need to cull older birds. Mine are pets.

 

[addctd2plnts]

You do have the option of rehoming them as "experienced hens" or nice pets. I see the value in having them as mentors for the younger ones and they may still be laying.

I will never cull my ducks when they stop laying, but that's only partly because I simply don't want to kill them. I honor their sacrifice for me by allowing them to have the natural lives they were meant for. Ducks, especially Runner Ducks, don't eat much and do lay a lot of eggs. Had one that never stopped laying from the Fall, when all the others stopped! If I couldn't do that, I'd be very careful to pick breeds known for long productive lives and rehome them while they were still laying and younger, so I didn't have to deal with it.

 

[Painted Calls]

Eggs are not important to me and never have been. I purposely do not overpopulate my space, as mine are pets and here to stay until it's their natural time.

However, that does not mean that I haven't had to cull. Last year I had to cull just about my entire flock of pets. All but one. Talk about hard times. When that moment comes, I sort of just turn off the emotional side of my brain. Unfortunately I've had lots of practice with that. It comes easy to me - it's my coping mechanism.

So when I cull, I am sort of just empty of feeling at that time. Afterwards I cry, but during I am calm and collected. I calmly comfort and talk to my bird the entire time. (I do the same with cattle whenever I have to put them down).. I wait and bury them and then I have my moment.

Do what you need to do to be okay. Whether it be culling 3 a day, or even just one. There is no blanket advice for dealing with taking the life of something you raised. It may be hard at first, but you will find your way to cope.

Hugs.

 

[justduckyacres]

I have 31 atm, many don't lay, but I don't mind. I just keep em on as pets.

I have chickens, ducks, rabbits and a goose. I treat them all with respect and I don't overstock. All are welcome to stay as long as the fates allow. Some of my older hens might not lay a lot of eggs but some do go broodie and have hatched out some of best little duckling babies. A protective momma is always an asset to flock.

 

[rod5591]

My oldest hen is 15, no need to cull older birds. Mine are pets.

Problem is, I am running out of room!

 

[artsyrobin]

Problem is, I am running out of room!

What about rehoming as pets?

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have rehomed some older hens rather than kill them. I usually rehome at 2, but always with friends, and they enjoy free ranging in new locations. I do keep special birds.