Why is it so hard to choose to butcher my old hens

[nova022]

Nothing says you have to butcher her. Follow your heart. I have four of my original five hens left and my originial rooster. The rest passed away over the years and I admit I was heartbroken at the loss of each of them. They are six years old and were raised as pet and will live out their days as pets. Even at six years old they still lay occasional eggs, especially the two Easter eggers. On the other hand I have twenty some other dual purpose hens that I keep mainly for eggs and a varying number of roos that feed my family. This group was raised as chickens and while I still enjoy watching their antics and being around them, they will feed my family when the time comes.

If space is at a premium and you feel you need to cull her you might ask someone to do it for you. I have my daughter-in-law cull all my poultry and rabbits. I have no problem with the rest of the processing and I keep her supplied in meat, so she is happy to help.

 

[Snoozeys]

I would rather give them away then give them the chop ... sorry to say i dont have it in me !!!

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

Yep, if they have a name or you have ever looked them in the eye, they are off the menu.
Most chickens are grateful the humans are so emotional...lol It is really just the process of life however. Mine have names so they are good.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I will not eat mine, the plan is to move them on BEFORE they are 2 years old, new chicks each spring and re-home the hens while they are still laying well and likely to be wanted for eggs.

Gary

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi everyone

The thread was moved to the “meat” section for a more sympathetic approach for the OP. It has now been moved back to the managing your flock section.

If any members feel they have moderation issues or require assistance please use the report button rather than calling out in open forum.

Thank you.

*BYC staff*

 

[BY Bob]

I get it now. Understood.

 

[song of joy]

I can totally relate to your dilemma. However, when space becomes an issue, then flock harmony also becomes an issue. That's what finally prompts me to have the older hens butchered. It's definitely less traumatic to take them to someone else so we don't have to dispatch them ourselves.

I've settled on a compromise between "pets" and "livestock". I consider most of my flock members to be "working pets" who have a very good life . . . . and yes, names . . . but are humanely culled when their productivity declines. So, the flock remains while members come and go.

 

[bobbieschicks]

Thank you all for your suggestions and insights. My original post wasn’t really ever a true question but more of a rhetorical statement. Certainly didn’t expect all the attention it received but as always I am thankful for the encouragement and support of the BYC community.

 

[aart]

My original post wasn’t really ever a true question but more of a rhetorical statement.

So I won't chime in.....but to say...great post, well written scenario of what I now will call 'The Loop'. BTDT. You really covered it all.

 

[abraga]

Thank you all for your suggestions and insights. My original post wasn’t really ever a true question but more of a rhetorical statement. Certainly didn’t expect all the attention it received but as always I am thankful for the encouragement and support of the BYC community.

I loved your post...it was thoughtful..compassionate..eloquent...and expressed what many if us feel and think. I go through the same issues....if I have to put a chicken down..i always have the "what if" quilt thingy afterwards. I try to look at it this way, my chickens have glorious lives..fresh air, sunshine, freedom to be chickens...much better than commercially raised. As painful as it is...i also try to be a good steward for the sake of the individual/flock. Fortunately..i have enough land to let my older gals live out thier lives, however, if one is sick or diseased I do humanly put them down. But....it is NEVER easy for me either!