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

[my5hens]

Do you keep your girls after they stop laying? I'm attached to mine and I would cry if I had to sell or "get rid" of them. But I was reading an article yesterday in a local newspaper that said hens will only lay for 4 years and then live on till their 18 years old. I think I want to keep mine anyways. They're cute!

Laura

 

[denasfarm]

Some of my hens are 7 years old and still lay pretty well, enough for the three of us anyway. Daily right now but they did quit in winter and slow in summer. When I downgraded from over 300 birds, I mostly kept the old favs...
So I vote keep your feathered friends.

 

[AprilWC]

I'm new to chickens and none of mine are very old. I'm not sure what I'd do. We are already attached to the chickens we've got. Maybe find pet homes for them?

 

[luvchicks8]

I have a retired hen house, they did there job now I pamper them

 

[smcjoj3]

Quote:
If BYC had a *Like* button, I would click it! What a bunch of lucky ladies! Love it!

 

[robinsoz]

I eat mine...(Yum Yum!) At least that is the theory - I usually don't have the heart to get around to it.

 

[denasfarm]

Quote:
In Theory, that sounds great, but I just cant eat anything named. Sorry Ethel, I know you have laid eggs for years but you and Leona are gonna be dinner tonight! Sounds Canabalistic...We do raise/eat meat birds that have been raised only for that reason with little contact.

Edited to say Thats Ethel as my avatar in the build a bear dress...

 

[zengrrl]

It will be chick retirement for the girls.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Hubby has said he will be building "The Old Cluckers Nest" for the retiring hens lol. They will get to free range some and just be lazy day girls.

 

[Hoosierchickens]

Yeah, freezer camp was out of the question the minute you put that skirt on her.

If you can afford to feed them and you don't have too many I don't see a problem with keeping them until their health makes it necessary to cull them. That's what I plan on doing with our girls. We will raise meat birds but they won't be named but our layers will be well cared for.