In this chicken
I would try not to hatch her eggs. They are old, and I would think there might be problem chicks if they lived that long.
I don't want this thread to be about this particular chicken. It's more about the general question so I and others can learn when when culling is appropriate (in general).
But I will answer the questions because maybe this could serve as an example of knowing when to cull or not. She is an older hen, but I have no clue how old since she came from a rescue farm. Likely 3-4+ years. My flock is currently eating DuMor 17% all flock with oyster shell on the side and crushed egg shells.
She's generally been a great layer but the past month I haven't seen any eggs from her. She laid a soft shell egg that was hanging from her vent the other day, and was acting lethargic. I thought she was dying. But with some calcium supplement (calcium citrate) she has perked up and is acting normal and eating/drinking again. But still, I see her in the nest trying to lay but no eggs. Maybe she has laid some soft shells that the others have eaten, but either way, something's weird since I see her eating her oyster shells and/or eggshells daily.
I would have this chicken on my non keeping list. If I was culling anything else at this time, I might cull her too. If I needed room for other birds. If I need to reduce my feed bill, I would cull her. But otherwise I would just let her be unless she takes a real turn for the worst. She is probably not hurting anything in the flock, and with spring she might perk up.But I will answer the questions because maybe this could serve as an example of knowing when to cull or not. She is an older hen, but I have no clue how old since she came from a rescue farm. Likely 3-4+ years. My flock is currently eating DuMor 17% all flock with oyster shell on the side and crushed egg shells.
I would try not to hatch her eggs. They are old, and I would think there might be problem chicks if they lived that long.