- Dec 5, 2010
- 821
- 48
- 133
I like to let older hens sit on eggs, then when they hatch I sell them as a unit. That's if they're at all broody-prone (which some layers can be in their second and third years). Even buyers without a chick raising setup can be happy to buy a hen with chicks, and will often pay well for the package.
This is one very good reason why dual purpose birds can be better than straight layers. An egg-favouring dual purpose bird like a New Hampshire can be almost as productive as commercial layers but still go broody occasionally in later years. Incidentally, some layer-type birds will be more inclined to go broody if their weight is increased a little (by extra protein etc) beforehand.
Of course this probably doesn't help anyone on a suburban block. Fertile eggs can be hard to find cheaply if you don't have a rooster. Sorry about that.
I do put birds in the pot regularly, but a favorite hen is always special. I can totally understand not wanting to do it.
cheers
Erica
This is one very good reason why dual purpose birds can be better than straight layers. An egg-favouring dual purpose bird like a New Hampshire can be almost as productive as commercial layers but still go broody occasionally in later years. Incidentally, some layer-type birds will be more inclined to go broody if their weight is increased a little (by extra protein etc) beforehand.
Of course this probably doesn't help anyone on a suburban block. Fertile eggs can be hard to find cheaply if you don't have a rooster. Sorry about that.
I do put birds in the pot regularly, but a favorite hen is always special. I can totally understand not wanting to do it.
cheers
Erica