Time to cull

[333113]

Also, you could look up local swap meets. (I found my local swaps on poultryshowcentral.com.) You'll want to look at how the other birds are priced and how you want to present them. I like to use an open cage like a dog crate, as opposed to a dog carrier, so people can get a good look at the bird. I also paperclip the chicken breed and age and price on a 3x5 or 4x6 card in black marker. When you are willing to part with some of your birds, crate them up, write out their cards, and go swap!

 

[orrpeople]

Also, you could look up local swap meets. (I found my local swaps on poultryshowcentral.com.) You'll want to look at how the other birds are priced and how you want to present them. I like to use an open cage like a dog crate, as opposed to a dog carrier, so people can get a good look at the bird. I also paperclip the chicken breed and age and price on a 3x5 or 4x6 card in black marker. When you are willing to part with some of your birds, crate them up, write out their cards, and go swap!

I love the idea of selling, but we're a Marek's flock (although you'd never know it by the amount and age of the healthy birds roaming the yard!) so it's not an option.
I think I will keep a few as pets (also for curiosity - to see how long they'll live), but cull the anti social and flighty ones.
I am very interested in how others manage their flocks in this regard though, so all of the input you all have shared has been lovely!

 

[Folly's place]

Having a contagious flock changes everything, so never mind about rehoming anyone.
Your plan sounds good then.
Mary

 

[Ridgerunner]

I love the idea of selling, but we're a Marek's flock (although you'd never know it by the amount and age of the healthy birds roaming the yard!) so it's not an option.

Yes, new information. That narrows your options, it is eat them or feed them.

But I want to thank you for having the integrity to not sell or pass them on.

 

[orrpeople]

Having a contagious flock changes everything, so never mind about rehoming anyone.
Your plan sounds good then.
Mary

It is funny, though, how dire folks are about the disease, yet how seldom I see it even though we have had a necropsy confirm it's in our flock. I was actually kind of hoping we wouldn't ever have hens old enough to cull, and now all those fat and sassy girls are 4 and still thriving. The UC Davis vet was pretty nonchalant about the whole thing when we talked about it. But I still know it's there and try to keep our flock to itself (although I have a few friends who know they have it too and we occasionally swap a rooster or some chicks).

 

[Folly's place]

Different strains and different flocks have various problems with Marek's disease, and as a person who doesn't have it here, I'm delighted that you are being careful!
Mary

 

[orrpeople]

The deed is done. Made the right call on 8 of the hens - no evidence of any egg production in their future. In fact with a few, there were only shriveled up looking ovaries. Definitely not laying!
With one, I did the wrong bird.

7 cockerels also got processed.

I'll admit to being somewhat sentimental and a little teary initially, but DH and my friend's DH got them all ready for me to just gut, (no feathers - they have a plucker-, heads, legs, or other identifying features) so they looked no different from any chicken. Good guys.

 

[aart]

Oh, well, at least you didn't have to do the kill....but finding an egg in the shell gland, and follicle full of yolks, always makes me cringe.

 

[orrpeople]

Yeah, with the one there was a definite "Oh crud" moment - and ya just can't undo it.

Oh, well, at least you didn't have to do the kill....but finding an egg in the shell gland, and follicle full of yolks, always makes me cringe.