This may seem like a silly question, but what do you do with a laying hen after she doesn't produce eggs anymore? Is a mature heritage breed still good to eat?
What do you do with a hen who is done laying?
- Thread starter 3rocksandme
- Start date
wow I've never had a hen stop laying...All mine get killed by predators, natural causes (illness and old age, etc), drowning (usually chicks X_x), and accidents (me - lol)
I've had a hen who was 9 yrs old who still layed 4 eggs a week (RIR) and my friend has a hen currently who is 12ish and lays 5-6 eggs a week (Leghorn/BR cross(guess) )
I guess you could eat - but aged meat is usually much tougher and less ability to absorb/hold moisture when cooking in my experience. If anything use them for soup/stew
I've had a hen who was 9 yrs old who still layed 4 eggs a week (RIR) and my friend has a hen currently who is 12ish and lays 5-6 eggs a week (Leghorn/BR cross(guess) )
I guess you could eat - but aged meat is usually much tougher and less ability to absorb/hold moisture when cooking in my experience. If anything use them for soup/stew
- Thread starter
- #3
Wow, I was under the impression hens only laid for a few years. Or that's what I have been told. It suddenly dawned on my that we would have to do something with the retired ladies, but I wasn't sure what....build a hen retirement home or something.
I have 2 now that are not laying due to their age and I think we will have to cull to make space for new stock. It is sad but we can't afford to feed a bird that does not produce. My daughter is not happy with that but I'm afraid it is something she will have to get used to. I would not eat either of them though as they will be tough.
Quote:
That's why you marinate and then slow cook in a crock pot.
That's why you marinate and then slow cook in a crock pot.
- Thread starter
- #7
Just curious....how old are the birds that have stopped laying? And what would you do with them after they are culled?
Quote:
That's why you marinate and then slow cook in a crock pot.
These old birds, that are actually old and have some years in them, make the very, very best chicken broth - the meat is full of rich flavor that only comes with age (like a fine wine)! The meat is great for soup or pot pies.
That's why you marinate and then slow cook in a crock pot.
These old birds, that are actually old and have some years in them, make the very, very best chicken broth - the meat is full of rich flavor that only comes with age (like a fine wine)! The meat is great for soup or pot pies.
I vote for retirement home or assisted living.
Retired hen house
They served you now you serve them I guess. That's what I would do anyway.
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