How old do heritage hens usually live for?
Heritage layers will continue past that number, although production will be slower and more sporadic. Overall though you can expect a hybrid hens’ lifespan is around 6 years, whereas sturdier Heritage breeds should live closer to 8 years old. Diseases and parasites of poultry have been studied extensively.
Is it OK to have a hen that crows?
Chook keeping really is an adventure. that would be interesting …having a hen (that crows but lays eggs and is a hen) where roosters are not allowed – will they make you get rid of the hen? does it happen that they go through a permanent sex change?
How long do hybrid hens usually live for?
Our hybrid hens tend to be shorter lived than the old fashioned ‘heritage’ breeds, typically around 2-3 years, depending on whether the keeper wants to cull or keep. There are still many good utility (dual purpose) hens out there on the market for those of us who wish to have the older, more long lived varieties.
When do hens go to the slaughterhouse?
In commercial settings, hens are usually kept a couple of years before slaughter. The aim of commercial businesses is to have a ‘high egg to low feed ratio’. Once the hen goes past her prime of laying, she will be sent to the slaughterhouse.
Heritage layers will continue past that number, although production will be slower and more sporadic. Overall though you can expect a hybrid hens’ lifespan is around 6 years, whereas sturdier Heritage breeds should live closer to 8 years old. Diseases and parasites of poultry have been studied extensively.
Chook keeping really is an adventure. that would be interesting …having a hen (that crows but lays eggs and is a hen) where roosters are not allowed – will they make you get rid of the hen? does it happen that they go through a permanent sex change?
Our hybrid hens tend to be shorter lived than the old fashioned ‘heritage’ breeds, typically around 2-3 years, depending on whether the keeper wants to cull or keep. There are still many good utility (dual purpose) hens out there on the market for those of us who wish to have the older, more long lived varieties.
In commercial settings, hens are usually kept a couple of years before slaughter. The aim of commercial businesses is to have a ‘high egg to low feed ratio’. Once the hen goes past her prime of laying, she will be sent to the slaughterhouse.
