New or updating a flock

[dbhemphill]

Any thoughts on how to transition into new younger birds. Our girls will be slowing down soon in the egg laying department, so besides making them stew chickens (the mrs. Does not like that option) what other option exists? I do not have room for more chickens in my coop unless I enclose more of the run or add a second story?

 

[DavidKerk]

Besides stew, there are a few other options:

1. You could try to sell them (or give them away for free) on Craigslist or something of that nature.
2. You could make a "retirement" coop for them. People who use this method keep the chickens 'till they die; they feed them lower-quality feed (like just scratch grains and random snacks) to keep the cost down.
3. Expand your coop and keep them living as normal with some new, younger hens. How old are your hens? You may be surprised at how long they lay. I've heard that they decrease by 10% after each molt, which would mean that they would lay some eggs for a long time.

I hope this helps!