Should I kill my egg birds?

[chrisxweaver]

I have 3 hens aprox. 7 months and Im not sure if I should get rid of them or not. First its becoming summer time here in southern california and it gets to about 120 degrees its only 95 and there misserable. Second im going to be busy this summer. Third I need all the money I can get. I plan to get rid of them the same day I get rid of my meat birds. These chickens are more of a experience to me than pets. The reason I need all the money is Because I am saving to buy land when I get older yea $15 extra bucks a month isnt alot but it can add up these next few years. So like I said these are birds to teach me how to raise chickens and the homesteading life cycle. My parents say its wrong and they judge me harshly for it and guve me a dirty look beacuse they swear that the meat that they get from the store is any better. Basically would It be wrong for me to kill my chickens just beacuse i dont have the time or money? Also if anyone lives in lower california and is intrested in maybe buying these hens text me at (760) 356-0574

 

[eggbert420]

A young man must make hard decisions sometimes, we have all had to do it at one point. I say if you are going to kill them, then eat them. If not you will never make it as a homesteader. As far as fresh chicken goes you can't beat it, once you try it, you will be convinced. Good luck, you can also sell them on craigslist.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I was going to encourage you to make gumbo or other kickin' dish from old hens but then I read they are only 7 months old. Nah man, sell those birds as they are just laying and have a long useful life ahead of them. They have value. On the flip side you've put all the money into them they need already. You've already made a coop, enclosure, have feeders and three laying birds that are about to keep eggs on your table. Costs from the point you are now for each dozen eggs is less than $2 per dozen. Not knowing what type of layers you have but assuming it's a hatchery barred rock or sex link type you'll be raking in 6-7 eggs per bird per week until they start first molt.

 

[junebuggena]

At 7 months of age, they are just starting to hit their stride in terms of egg production. You should be able to sell them quite quickly for about $15 to $20 each.