The end of egg laying ?

[jennysbrood]

Well, I'm not the right person for that question, I'm bias. I keep all of my chickens forever, name them, and never eat them. (They're my only friends)

My hens are also my friends, I love them and they helped me through a difficult divorce and with many things the kids and I faced alone. I want to have more orpingtons for eggs and companionship but we can't afford to forever keep adding to replenish and never get rid of them or get any meat.

 

[Meri Maura]

You should do whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

[jennysbrood]

I don't know, I've never done that before.

Is this not normal with chicken raisers as to what I am thinking ? I thought maybe that could be a good idea but I am sure others would know better as to how to replenish the egg laying but not forever keeping the hens till natural death. I want them to have a good life but also help my family.

 

[jennysbrood]

You should do whatever you feel comfortable with.

You are kind, thank you.

 

[Meri Maura]

Yes, as far as I know, it's what most people do. I'm just a chicken hobbyist

 

[jennysbrood]

Yes, as far as I know, it's what most people do. I'm just a chicken hobbyist

Ok maybe I can make it work for the best with the dear hens and for us too. What is a hobbyist ?

 

[Meri Maura]

It means that I just own the chickens mostly for fun. Because of the winter storm, our pipes busted and we can't get materials to fix them. Now I can't wash or boil my eggs. I have like 100 eggs in the kitchen...

 

[Meri Maura]

Definitely don't get too many chickens unless you are planning on selling the eggs.

 

[jennysbrood]

Definitely don't get too many chickens unless you are planning on selling the eggs.

I am so sorry about your pipes, may God make a way for your water and yourselves to be taken care of. Yes we will be careful not to get too many because when the laying was good there was a lot of eggs! Thanks for your advice.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The older they get, the more they slow down as far as laying. My only BO quit laying at 2.5-3 yrs old or so, and is now nearing 5 yrs old. But we have room for retired layers so it's not an issue for me.

Since egg laying is important to you, best to sell or eat the existing birds. Then, depending on how many eggs you need and how much space you have to work with, start building a new flock with some sort of plan for staggering ages if at all possible, which will give you more consistent egg production over time.