Bodhisan
Songster
We have three hens (our ordinance allows 6), and they are coming up on six months old. We were told they were a cross between RIR and Leghorn, but when I posted photos a a few weeks back, I was told that was not the case. Anyway, In looking on down the road, I've gathered that our girls will slow down and possibly stop laying around 5-6 years of age. My thought was to get three more in about three-four years, which would keep us in the eggs, while allowing the three mature hens to wind things up. Or should we wait 4-5 years? We don't mind having three "free loaders" in the future, so the plan is to let them "go naturally."
So, what could that look like? Assuming they don't get some disease or develop other problems, will we wake up one day and find a hen laying down, passed?
Also, when we do get three more hens, will the three originals, who will then be 3-4 years old (or 4-5 years old), be alpha, or will they be "weaker?" Just curious.
So, what could that look like? Assuming they don't get some disease or develop other problems, will we wake up one day and find a hen laying down, passed?
Also, when we do get three more hens, will the three originals, who will then be 3-4 years old (or 4-5 years old), be alpha, or will they be "weaker?" Just curious.