Not getting as many eggs now how do I retire the hens?

[roamingchick]

I have three hens that were giving to me by in laws and two of them stopped laying, I know they were not young hens to begin with, but I don't know their age? I've tried light and treats anything to make them happy, I have checked them for health issues and they are kept clean no mites, or parasites. I am starting to think it is an age issue. What do I do with these old gals that are eating but not producing? We are not attached to them in any way and honestly the one is a white leghorn the other a barred rock, so I am quite surprised to see the leghorn not laying. Suggestions??

 

[Folly's place]

Chickens are not bred for longevity, especially the hatchery/ high egg producing types. Many hens will develop health issues and slow or cease egg production by three years of age. You can see if it's temporary; are they molting, or stressed in any way? Are you going to let them retire on your farm, while adding young birds for eggs? You can put them in your freezer, or offer them to someone who wants some stewing hens. Older birds going to auction will be picked up by someone wanting dinner, very likely. Some of my birds stay forever, some don't. It's your decision. Mary

 

[Nupe]

How long have you had them? If it has only been a few weeks, give them some more time. The stress of moving can halt their laying for around a month but there may have been a few in the pipeline when you first got them.

Otherwise, old hens make excellent flavored bone broth. Remember the "cure-all" chicken soup that grandma used to make? This is where it came from. Process them, roast them for extra flavor, then crockpot or simmer them until the bones crumble, about 24 hours. I keep the broth, then pummel the rest, bones and all, in the blender for the dogs. The meat is too stringy for my taste.