When do hens just stop laying eggs altogethor, at what age? And what do you do with them when they quit laying (besides slaughter)
After a few years they do slow down but you will get a few eggs a week from them as they age. Some people have them as pets (bantymum's is 17 yrs old now). Some people pass them along to a good home before they reach 3 or 4 yrs old. An old hen is good for stew. Next spring I will start rotating out some of my layers.
I still haven't decided what to do with my hens when they get to old to lay. Just don't think I can eat them, the roos on the other hand..........
Lets face it folks! There is no such thing as Social Security for chickens. You can give your aged chickens away if you want, but even then, they will most likely end up in the same place as all old Hens and Roosters do--- in the cooking pot! Chicken and Dumplings ---Yum-Yum!
Quote:Wow! Can we have this, er....smiley? on here as a choice? I like him and he would be so fitting sometimes! A petting zoo would be an option, but, lets face it, how many of those are around that need an extra chicken or two? We choose to stew!
Well, my girls are with me until they die from old age. I have 3 now that are not laying but wouldn't want to be without them. I think they get sweeter as they age. Once you name them, they are yours forever. Anne