when to replace flock to keep production high

[redhen]

i think if i'm going to replace my hens when they stop laying..if i cant find a pet home for them..i'll have them humanly culled(is that the right word)..i wouldnt want them in small cages..and who knows what else till they are finally killed..so at least i'd KNOW they arent suffering somewhere..thats what i think i am going to do..thanks..We ndy

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
Depends on how you wanted to use it. You can just say culled(which means remove from your flock, either as pets, food, or sale birds). When you say humanely culled, it sounds like you just mean to say "humanely killed".

-Kim

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I think if i'm going to replace my hens when they stop laying..if i cant find a pet home for them..i'll have them humanly culled(is that the right word)..i wouldnt want them in small cages..and who knows what else till they are finally killed..so at least i'd KNOW they arent suffering somewhere..thats what i think i am going to do..thanks..We ndy

ME TO! I am so attached to the little things already but I know in order to get eggs for our family I will need to update our flock every now and then and this will be hard. I would rather KNOW for sure what's going on with them then auction them off.​

 

[redhen]

..yes, thats what i meant..to humanely kill them..just because i couldnt deal with not knowing whats going on with them in an auction...i think tis the best option for me...thanks, Wendy ;o)

 

[chickenannie]

I was able to cull my 10 roosters last fall for the first time (someone else butchered them) and put them in my freezer for meat, but for some reason, I can't handle the idea of butchering my older laying hens. I know them far too well. The roosters were overrunning the place and getting into trouble and I wasn't too attached since they were 5 months old. But these hens -- I know their little personalities, and they follow me around everywhere. I just can't eat them -- it makes me feel sick. But I could probably sell them at auction, or give them away to other people and that seems OK though I don't know why it would be any better.

 

[redhen]

i know its a tough thing...and i'm not sure yet how i'll feel or deal with it when its that time...i know it wont be an easy decision for me either way....thanks, Wendy

 

[Wolf-Kim]

It is one of those situations, where you'll cross the bridge when you come to it.

I think I would sell most of them at auction or a poultry sale myself. Many people are looking to start off their backyard flocks, a 3-4 year old hen(non-sexlinks) will still produce eggs if kept right. I know a lady who took in 2 RIR hens pushing 5-6 years old and they still laid well for her. Still has one of them and she still laying and kicking. LOL

I'm sure you will do what you think is best. Don't worry about it too much until the situation pops up.

-Kim

 

[redhen]

yeah..right..lol...mine are like 2 weeks old..lol....but..i noticed u metioned sex-links?..they dont lay well for long?..i have 2 blk.?..just curious....thanks..Wendy

 

[Wolf-Kim]

There was a thread not too long ago about sexlinks. Apparently they only lay for 2-3 years, but they lay amazingly well for those 2-3 years. Whereas your heritage breeds like the RIR, will lay for years and years but they will slow down just a tiny bit as they get older.

-Kim

 

[redhen]

thank you...there is so much to learn about chickens!..lol..but i love it...;o), Wendy