Old hens that no longer lay

[NatJ]

My intent was to retire my hens to the stew pot when they stopped laying. Involving my two daughters in the planning and especially in the rearing of our first chicks nipped that idea in the bud. I briefly argued my case but then realized the point of this for us was the experience and the reflection on what it takes to feed the human race.

I would announce that only a certain number of hens will be allowed at any given time, then involve the kids in buying some new chicks. When the chicks grow up, make a list of the right number of chickens to keep (letting the kids help choose), and butcher all the rest. Yes, that probably includes butchering some of the new pullets. But it's likely that some of the new pullets will make it onto the "keep" list, which will force a few older hens off the list, so they'll get butchered. But I find it less painful to think of it as "keeping Snowy" rather than "deciding to eat Goldy," or whatever the names happen to be.

 

[Vicker]

Any Ameraucana I've had rarely lays after the 3 yr mark. They also tend to be too light-bodied to bother with harvesting the meat. I have eaten some of the dual purpose breeds. It depends on how many nonlayers I have at a time whether I do anything with them or not. If I'm going through the effort to process them, I want to have at least 3 or so to do at the same time.

 

[Shahnaz13]

What do you do with your older hens that have stopped laying? So far we keep ours and let them live out their golden years. Our oldest are only 3 though.

We have always kept ours and let them retire in peace - one was 14 1/2 years old when she was killed during the night, so unfair she deserved more....

 

[RaleighRancher]

I would announce that only a certain number of hens will be allowed at any given time, then involve the kids in buying some new chicks. When the chicks grow up, make a list of the right number of chickens to keep (letting the kids help choose), and butcher all the rest. Yes, that probably includes butchering some of the new pullets. But it's likely that some of the new pullets will make it onto the "keep" list, which will force a few older hens off the list, so they'll get butchered. But I find it less painful to think of it as "keeping Snowy" rather than "deciding to eat Goldy," or whatever the names happen to be.

Yeah, fortunately we never came close to capacity. Between age, illness, and the occasional predator, we've kept the flock to 7 or less.

 

[ZenSyd]

what breeds do you have have stopped laying by 3 years old?

Where in Wisconsin we can bring our old hens to our Amish farmers who will prep them for the stew pot for us at a charge under 2$ per hen.

 

[SillyMissLily]

It sounds like everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to chicken ownership. If you can't bear to kill a sweet old hen, let her live; if you can afford to keep several non-layers, why not? I have space limitations and have to cull a few every year, and occasionally nature does that as well.

My only recommendation for people letting loved birds live out their years is have a plan for a sick or injured bird. If you can't do the killing yourself, find someone who knows how, just in case. I don't like to see any animal suffer. I had an old hen whose arthritis was so bad, she couldn't walk. I couldn't bear to watch her waste away to death, just could not.

 

[Severne]

I think the decision should be up to you. Based on your preferences. I usually don’t ask questions like this on forums because it results in, arguments, arguments, arguments. I think you’ve gotten alot of good opinions and now the desicion Is up to you.

 

[Erin80]

I think the decision should be up to you. Based on your preferences. I usually don’t ask questions like this on forums because it results in, arguments, arguments, arguments. I think you’ve gotten alot of good opinions and now the desicion Is up to you.

I already know we will let them live out their retirement. I was just curious about others

 

[RaleighRancher]

It sounds like everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to chicken ownership. If you can't bear to kill a sweet old hen, let her live; if you can afford to keep several non-layers, why not? I have space limitations and have to cull a few every year, and occasionally nature does that as well.

My only recommendation for people letting loved birds live out their years is have a plan for a sick or injured bird. If you can't do the killing yourself, find someone who knows how, just in case. I don't like to see any animal suffer. I had an old hen whose arthritis was so bad, she couldn't walk. I couldn't bear to watch her waste away to death, just could not.

I agree 100% - have a plan regardless. Before I committed to getting chickens, I helped a friend butcher a flock of Cornish Cross for meat, just so I could face it and know whether I could do it. Excellent preparation for proper care of old birds.

 

[Sea Wolf]

I have occasionally killed and ate an old hen that was no longer productive but, for a single person, it's easier to go to the store and buy one pot ready. There is a local, open to the public, educational historic farm maintained by my town here. Most times, they appreciate the donation of tame birds that are kid safe and still lay a few eggs once in a while .. or not. I sell my eggs so I need to have productive hens to pay for the feed they eat.