what to do when the egg laying is done

[firstbatch]

Have never raised chickens before - trying to read and research as much as possible before beginning...curious about the layers once they are done laying. Dont want to keep a bunch of ladies around if they cant be productive, and I understand the good layers arent good for eating once they are done with that part of their life. What are the options...hate to think about eliminating a bunch of birds, and yet, I cant afford to keep all these ladies just cause they at one time gave us eggs. We are interested in meat and eggs, not pets (so much). We are a family of 5 - I know the kids (and I) will get attached to some.

 

[ChickyLaura]

Stewing hens. I've read that's what people do, anyway. I've never done it.

 

[raizin]

i butcher 5 at a time then just toss them all into a large roaster. salt and pepper a little spice, an onion and some garlic, add water so they don't dry out and burn (plus it makes great broth later) slow cook them for 6-8 hours. Pick the bones out and freeze the cooked meat. Use the cooked meat in any dish you would have added canned chicken. Also, easy to reheat and use in anything. works great!

 

[firstbatch]

I had read that once they were done laying they werent any good for meat anymore...so that is not true? Obviously they wouldnt be a nice roasting bird - but a chicken pot pie rather?

 

[Peep_Show]

If you're squeamish about personally driving the bus to Freezer Camp, you could always post an ad somewhere to sell for cheap...... I had one person who then took mine to an auction and apparently they were bought by Chinese who like a live chicken....Chickens were ALWAYS welcomed; Turkeys not so much so. However, if you don't like the idea of strangers at your coop, I'd make arrangements to meet someplace for the transaction.

 

[Makenziejh]

If you plan on eating the chickens, please dont name them. Its kinda wrong to name something then chop its head off.

I plan on keeping my girls as pets when they arnt laying anymore

 

[77horses]

Since I'm a Vegetarian, I obviously don't eat our chickens, even after they've stopped laying.

None have yet, but when they do they can rest assured that they will never be killed. After all their service for us, I believe they deserve a vacation for the rest of their lives after they are done laying.

 

[sonew123]

Quote:

Im with yah!

 

[LesGan]

I am developing a retirement community within my chicken house where the "old" ladies will enjoy group knitting, bridge and sing alongs. I do love my birds!!!

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

I can't do the deed myself. I have several hens that I'm selling this saturday. 1 hasn't layed for over 2 months and the other 3 are only 19 to 20 months old. So I'll problably get maybe $5 apiece. Enough for 2 bags of 50 pounds of chicken feed and a bag of Dog food.