my girls are getting old

[bluecoop]

It's recently occurred to me that my flock is now down to three from an original eight. Some have died from critters and some from different ailments. I have two 4 year araucana's neither of which lay regularly, in fact one not at all and a three year old New Hampshire who is still as feisty as ever and still a good producer. Her best friend recently died from some unknown condition which leaves me wondering what happens when I'm down to the last one.
I'm in Idaho so the winters here can get really cold, what do people suggest for the inevitable...do I try and introduce some new ones or let nature take it's path. I keep meat birds every other year so am not against slaughtering birds but I'm rather attached to these and don't really fancy doing the deed on them

 

[Mace Gill]

It's recently occurred to me that my flock is now down to three from an original eight. Some have died from critters and some from different ailments. I have two 4 year araucana's neither of which lay regularly, in fact one not at all and a three year old New Hampshire who is still as feisty as ever and still a good producer. Her best friend recently died from some unknown condition which leaves me wondering what happens when I'm down to the last one.
I'm in Idaho so the winters here can get really cold, what do people suggest for the inevitable...do I try and introduce some new ones or let nature take it's path. I keep meat birds every other year so am not against slaughtering birds but I'm rather attached to these and don't really fancy doing the deed on them

Why not get a few new layers? Company for your older girls ... no more than three new birds, I'd say ... let the older girls still be 'in charge'. Anyway, they can live up to ten years or so, and if any go broody, older hens can make good mothers.

 

[bluecoop]

Why not get a few new layers? Company for your older girls ... no more than three new birds, I'd say ... let the older girls still be 'in charge'. Anyway, they can live up to ten years or so, and if any go broody, older hens can make good mothers.

I guess I'd have to get fully grown ones..?

 

[Mace Gill]

I guess I'd have to get fully grown ones..?

At least fully feathered pullets ... big enough to 'hold their own' if the older girls are inclined to bullying. If they are big enough, but a little on the young side ... up to, say ... point of first lay ... they'll learn from the older girls

 

[KentuckyRooster]

I am in idaho too!


I'd get a few youngsters to keep them company.

 

[bluecoop]

OK, thanks guys

 

[Mace Gill]

I'm biased, but I say if you want good layers that can stand the cold, Black Australorps!

If not them, than RIR or Orpingtons

 

[Mace Gill]

My Australorps are over 3-1/2 now and still laying well ... Rooster is still feisty. Last year I introduced (2) Jersey Giants and they are now accepted flock members with full voting rights at the flock's union meetings. One of the older Aussies just hatched seven chicks a week and a half ago (mostly Aussies, but I'm sure one or two are mutts)

 

[bluecoop]

I'm biased, but I say if you want good layers that can stand the cold, Black Australorps!

If not them, than RIR or Orpingtons

I had an Australorp, the only one so far that got caught by one of the neighborhood dogs.
At this point will have to see what's out there, but have had my eye on the Orpingtons for a while

 

[Abriana]

Put the older pullets in a run for a few days so that the older girls can get used to seeing them around and won't peck to hurt then when they get out, just to establish pecking order which is normal. There should be no drawing of blood and make sure they are getting enough food. Check their crops at night. After about a week, you can let them out with supervision, and if all goes well, leave them out. If not, put them back in the run for a while.