What do vegetarians do with unproductive laying hens?

[Hazelnut]

I am a vegetarian, and although my pullets haven't started laying yet, I will keep them for the rest of their natural life, eggs or no eggs. I think the idea of hens not "earning their keep" if they don't lay eggs anymore doesn't add up for the small time homesteader with a small flock. Even the most productive hen really doesn't "earn" her keep. When you calculate the cost of building the coop and run, cost of food, feeders etc...there is another reason for going to all that trouble. For some reason, we like the idea of those little feathered things puttering around. I do plan to add to our little flock here and there to ensure a steady supply of eggs, but if there was ever an egg shortage I would just buy my fresh eggs from one of my fellow backyard chicken keepers. (just two doors down)