[shaunie]

can anyone tell me whats the best way to k*** my hens as they have stopped laying all togher and i was told they wont lay again as they are to old  ps could we eat them as well all tips welcome

[Rubellite]

They'd be a bit tough 

[joyfull]

what breed are they and how old are they?
Most hens over two years take a break to moult and because of the shorter daylight hours but come February they should up production again.
Egg layers have very little meat on them and if they are old then they will be tough as old boots.

[treacleminer]

In the poultry information stickies (page 2) there are a couple of very useful guides by 'Muntjac' - useful for everyone, whether they intend to eat the bird or not!

[shaunie]

so should i just wait  and see what happens after Christmas then 

[bexy]

I would wait and see what happens....then again i wouldn't even think of killing them,poor little ladies 
How old are they?

[shaunie]

some are about 3yrs and some are about 2yrs please dont be sad 

[Foxy]

At those ages Shaunie sounds like they have just stopped laying over winter and will start again Jan/Feb when the days get longer. Pure breeds have a longer laying life span though compared to hybrids. Do check them over, make sure they are well, if moulting they will stop laying. Keep them on a good quality layers pellet but add a touch of poultry spice (if moulting) and apple cider vinegar in the water to keep them in tip top condition

[shaunie]

yes i will wait and see what happens after feb--march hopefully they will come back on as i do luve them like pets  :happy: :happy:

[Beano]

Why do you want to kill them?
Cant you have them as pets?

[shaunie]

i think ive just said that in my last message

[Beano]

But if you love them how did killing them even cross your mind??

[shaunie]

because i was told by my mate that its a waist of money feeding what isnt laying sorry but i try but i think 28 hens not laying and all the cost is a bit much

[Beano]

I did not realize you had so many. I only have three and its easier to think of them as pets then.
Sorry for being so opinionated. I was brought up on a farm but you would never guess.
I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to animals.
Once my niece came over with her new baby and my sister came over with a new puppy.
Apparently I made more of a fuss over the puppy.
Hope your chickens start laying in the new year!!

[shaunie]

thanks for that id love to see a photo of the puppy if you can get it on i have 2 dogs and 2 fish as you can see i love my animals i would have a zoo if i could win the loto