The end of egg laying ?

[jennysbrood]

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.

Staggering ages is good advice. So only getting a couple of new ones at a time over time. We do love getting eggs and meat when we can and providing more for ourselves but we all also love just as much maybe more just having the chickens too. Thank you !

 

[aart]

Is 2-3 yrs. old then too old to eat.

No. Just need to rest the cleaned carcass for 3-4 days.
I cook them up in a pressure cooker.

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.

Many here only have pets. There are a few that add new layers each year and also slaughter the older birds......that's what I do.

Staggering ages is good advice. So only getting a couple of new ones at a time over time. We do love getting eggs and meat when we can and providing more for ourselves

Yes.
There's lots of different ways to do this.

 

[Sally PB]

Long before I had chickens, I read this blog post:

http://nwedible.com/chicken-rotation-optimizing-for-year-round-laying-from-the-backyard-flock/

Since I didn't know anything, it taught me a lot about the laying/molting cycle of chickens. And, I though it was an entertaining read.

 

[jennysbrood]

No. Just need to rest the cleaned carcass for 3-4 days.
I cook them up in a pressure cooker.


Many here only have pets. There are a few that add new layers each year and also slaughter the older birds......that's what I do.


Yes.
There's lots of different ways to do this.

Thank you . I appreciate your advice. I hope to learn the different ways people do raise, keep, love and also slaughter their birds of different ages. This site is fun and full of great info

 

[aart]

Long before I had chickens, I read this blog post:

http://nwedible.com/chicken-rotation-optimizing-for-year-round-laying-from-the-backyard-flock/

Since I didn't know anything, it taught me a lot about the laying/molting cycle of chickens. And, I though it was an entertaining read.

That is a pretty good layout of 3 age groups,
it's almost exactly what I did for the first 5 years.
...and this "(Shut up. I never claimed to be a graphic illustrator.)" cracked me up!!

 

[Kirkwooder]

You certainly can butcher spent hens. They are the very best flavor makers. Meaning that the older birds have the best, deepest and fullest chicken flavor. However, they become very tough in their old age, needing to be cooked for long periods. Hence the old term "stewing hen". They will make the very best stock though.

We ad pullets every year, roughly on the 3 year plan. In other words, we replace 1/3 of the flock every year. We don't generally butcher spent hens though. They're pets by then, even to an old codger like me, that won't let a chicken in the house, or has no problem culling ill birds. We really do become quite fond of them.

 

[Sally PB]

cracked me up!!

This blogger had some really great posts. I've borrowed and paraphrased one of her lines, praising her chickens' contribution to her garden:

"Yeah, I want to be the woman who says, 'I got shit for Mother's Day.'"

 

[jennysbrood]

Everyone is really funny and helpful too. The 3 yr. plan sounds good. Those blogs will be interesting I'm sure thanks for sharing. I don't use or go on any social media sites but I guess this is one at least for my chickens and I'm glad to have it. I am in my 40s and have never had a cell phone or used social media but now maybe my chickies have made me somewhat cool.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The 3 yr. plan sounds good. Those blogs will be interesting I'm sure thanks for sharing.

I stagger out my flock by 2 years between chicks but that does mean there's some expected downtime in winter (which I save up eggs for). But since I don't cull my older layers I wouldn't be able to house all the birds if I got new chicks each year, as my set up isn't that large.

If eggs are priority and it sounds like you're willing to cull older birds then yes I think adding chicks each year is the best way to ensure consistency.

 

[Cecisflock]

Is 2-3 yrs. old then too old to eat. I just thought we could get a couple of good years of laying out of them and let them have a good life before we end it. What do you suggest is the best way to replenish the egg laying but yet have meat too and be nice to the chickens ? I do appreciate everyone's comments and wisdom !

no they aren't too old to eat but they may not be what you are used to eating. (aka- wont be as tender) I raise egg birds and then when they are done they become dog food. I also raise meat birds for 8 weeks before slaughter. 8 weeks means its tender like most people know