When our chickens get old

[rabbithaus]

Many of the ranches around here have 'buffer zones'. The field nearest to the house is where the named pets live out their life. Anything beyond that is Dinner.

 

[wombat]

Quote:
They're still lawn ornaments, and many of ours have become the kids' pets.

I agree with an earlier post; I don't eat my pets, and I don't name my livestock. Our layers are pets, so I'm stuck with them.

 

[wombat]

How does it count if you name three roosters "Finger" "Lickin" and "Good"?

 

[Julie_A]

Quote:

 

[wombat]

How does it count if you name three roosters "Finger" "Lickin" and "Good"?


Sorry for the double post, Internet Proxy was having a bad hair day and had to be rebooted ...

 

[Koolduck]

Probably just like having one called Dumplin!

 

[Keara]

so just as a point of referance for all those considering keeping their old layers till they die of natural causes...... How long do you all think a chickens natural lifespan is? I bet you'll be suprised!

 

[wombat]

Quote:
I'm guessing I might have to plan for feeding for 8-10 years for mine, though I've heard people tell of hens living to almost 20. I'd say anything past 7 is "old", though.

Maybe I can send my daughter's favorites off to college with her in another ten years or so.

 

[Keara]

wombat, you are right on the money! Can you imagin how many chickens you will have if you try to keep them all, and want eggs too!

 

[augustmomx2]

I currently have 10 standards and 4 baby bantams. My standards are for egg production and I'm already thinking which ones will be put on Craigslist next Summer. I could never process them, but I don't have a prob giving them away (as I have 2 others and the owners have given me updates

)

I plan on keeping my 2 BRs & 1 GSL forever, as they are my faves and due to their personalities have found themselves a permenant home until their death

My bantams are going to be for show, so I'll keep those for show, if they don't make the marks (as I want to breed them), they'll be on Craigslist as well.