What is a winter flock? A couple people said they didn't have their usual selection of chickens because they were "down to their winter flock." Do they pack little chicken suitcases and send part of their flock to the Bahamas while the others stay and knit little chicken socks? Then the hens return in the spring?
I "pare down" going into Winter. I cull down to the best layers, best broodies, and breeding stock only. And I'm fairly ruthless about it too - but our chickens are not pets. For example, it takes an exceptional 2 yr old hen to be kept into her 3rd year here. The result is our 'Winter flock' - those that are chosen to keep through Winter. It reduces the Winter feed bill, and puts us starting out the next Spring with the best of our stock. One other benefit - it frees up coop space. I start chicks, raise them through Winter and have POL pullets available for sale in late Feb/March.
