Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Hampshire or Orpington. In my experience, the laying
productivity of hens diminishes over time, so these birds can
be transitioned into the freezer and replaced with younger
hens. (Old layers transitioned into the freezer are tough and
best used for soups, stews, and chicken pot pies, so label them
accordingly.) If you choose to hatch eggs from your chickens
to supplement your flock, new roosters of the chosen breed
should be brought in every couple of years to reduce
inbreeding.
You'll find that hens and roosters are fun to watch and
provide endless amusement. When the farmer steps outside,
plate in hand, to deliver meal leftovers to the chickens, they'll
come running! Then, the chicken that managed to retrieve an
especially attractive piece of food will be chased all over the
place by other members of the flock. The roosters will be
vigilant and defend the rest of the flock against attack but
otherwise just strut around looking proud and important.
Chickens definitely establish a “pecking order” amongst
themselves, so new chickens should be separated from the
rest of the flock until they are large enough to defend
themselves.
With too few hens, roosters leave some bald spots.
