We are new to this, we are raising 8 (1 year old hens), 1 rooster and 12 baby chicks. We are getting eggs from the 1 year olds but some of the EE are not putting out that many eggs. To me it looks like they are molting? I read that once they molt they don't give eggs very well, is that true? We talked about if the birds were done laying then they are not "paying off". If so we would like to "try" to eat them. We want to, but in real life will I be able to do it? I know you can't answer that, but I made the mistake of naming the birds and I have the hardest time imagining butchering them. Any advice or personally stories would be greatly appreciated. I have helped my husband butcher many deer and elk so I am used to turning my kitchen table into a butcher block.