What do you do with your hens when they stop laying?

[Fowl Intentions]

I've seen listing on Craigs List for hens who don't lay anymore, but who will keep baby chicks warm for those who need it! A nice retirement plan, I think!

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

We've got a few JG girls who aren't laying well now, but they are such sweet girls and they LOVE to help raise babies, so they are the grandmothers of the flock.

The half stupid BR girls however who lay eggs and nothing else, well, I love them as much as any chicken, but yeah, they go in the stew pot.

 

[Fred's Hens]

We have a family with 9 kids to raise and feed with whom we are close. Need I say more.

 

[Balboaroc]

I think its all in how you look at it. I totally get how people who name their girls can't do the deed and retire them to the freezer.

Where I'm at I can only have 6 chickens by law but actually have 11 with 5 peeps in the brooder (additional). Because of my small flock allowance, egg production is in my main goal with chickens. From the get go I didn't name my girls because of this.

I seem to have bad luck with allowing myself to get attached to my chickens. 2 roosters I had, even named them, from my first flock 2 years ago, turned out mean and I did eat them. You peck my little human boys (LOL) well I'll just pull rank and show you.

I did allow myself to get attached to my Buff Cochin, gave her a lifetime pass, and then she unexpectedly died. Go figure.

Now I have another that I refuse to say I will let her stay out loud...we will just imply that if all goes well she won't be leaving our home. This one happens to be my 4 year old's favorite...she lets him pet her and she even brooded some eggs for us. I just know, for him, he would be super sad if I got rid of her.

As it is with the new peeps I know in some way, shape, or form, at least 5 of my oldest girls will be leaving in a few months. I'm thinking about craigslist, or asking friends if they may want them. I have considered eating them but at 2+ years old I don't know how good it will be...even as a stewing chicken. I know the girls are laying just maybe not quite as much as I would personally like. If I had my way I would keep them forever but I just don't have the room. My neighbors are chicken friendly, and I do have 1.5 acres, but the law is the law so I don't try to push it too hard. If someone wanted to they could call and I guess I would have to really cut down my flock then.