I also have a flock, not pets. The last time I culled older hens I fully intended to butcher them, I wanted to see for myself if they had the great flavor I've heard of. But, life being what it is, it worked out better to rehome them. I think I just gave them away for free, if I remember right the youngest hen was 3 and the oldest was 7 or 8, so it's not like I was really out any great potential layers. I used craigslist and found a taker that very night, who also took a rooster that had been disposed by a young gun and was very unhappy in the flock. The lady had bought some land and basically wanted some yard ornaments, that's about what she got!
I hatched out 13 chicks this year and looks like I've got 6 roosters for sure. Those will be going in the freezer if I'm ever well enough to help with processing, or we may try craigslist.
I hatched out 13 chicks this year and looks like I've got 6 roosters for sure. Those will be going in the freezer if I'm ever well enough to help with processing, or we may try craigslist.