Old Red Stars

[cluck cluck here]

What should I do with my 2 year old Red Stars that I don't think are laying much anymore? Are they worth butchering? We got them already grown this spring along with some one year olds that seem to be laying well. Thanks!

 

[coffeemama]

Two year olds-really?! I guess we never pay much attention to how much our chickens lay. We have a 14 year old hen who hasn't layed for some time. Seems like you could make soup out of a 2 year old-maybe?

 

[nccountrygirl]

Could they be going through a molt? I would think a 2 yr olds would still be laying, I think I would give them some more time before I did something with them, after all they have given you eggs. JMHO

 

[scgamecock]

How is the feathering?Do they look sorta ragged?If so they are molting and should start laying again soon.

 

[cluck cluck here]

Thanks to all...I don't think they are molting, but I will check again. And I will also try to find some info on how to check to see if they are indeed laying. How long should I expect them to lay? I just thought all hens only lay for about two years.

 

[nccountrygirl]

No hon, some lay for yrs. one person on here has a 14 yr old hen that she gets an egg from every now and then. Just give them some time. They should pick back up with warmer weather starting.

 

[professor-yellow]

always use the old hens for soup stock. None finer.

After the eggs get smaller and less frequent, it is time to butcher for soup stock.