debratugwell Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 We only have limited space in our back garden for our 3 girls. Has anyone any experience of what to do with chickens too old to lay? I couldn't eat them, I know that, but I also don't have the space to keep on old birds and have new layers. Anyone any good suggestions? ALSO, we desperately need to put something on our flags as they have gone all green and slippy. Anyone aware of any products we can use that won't have a detrimental effect to chickens wandering over them/pecking at stuff between them? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperman Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 It's a tough one that! And to be honest I hadn't thought about it too much! I was planning to just let them live out their days and add a few new ones to carry the ones who aren't laying anymore. Not easy if you don't have the room! We don't exactly have acres! The flags will come up as good as new after a blast from a power washer. with no detergent, very useful for cleaning in general particularly eglus etc. Kev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 We only have limited space in our back garden for our 3 girls. Has anyone any experience of what to do with chickens too old to lay? I couldn't eat them, I know that, but I also don't have the space to keep on old birds and have new layers. Anyone any good suggestions? ALSO, we desperately need to put something on our flags as they have gone all green and slippy. Anyone aware of any products we can use that won't have a detrimental effect to chickens wandering over them/pecking at stuff between them? Thanks. I can't advise you what to do but when my girls stop laying I'm just going to have to buy free range eggs as there's no way I'd part with them, they've been through enough in their short lives and give us endless pleasure and eggs! The least I can do is let them live out their days with us and when the fateful time comes, we'd give some more ex-batts a new home. Re the slippery flags, we jet wash them. No chemicals needed and nice clean flags. Can you invest in one? Might be cheaper in the long run than trying to cover up the problem..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 We jetwash our chicken areas! Best thing we ever bought apart from the eglu, cube & chickens! I have 4 layers out of 6 & don't really expect anymore eggs of the other 2, as they are coming up to 2 years old. I'm amazed that Audrey is still laying on a daily basis, bless her little fluffy bottom! I love my chooks to bits & even tho they don't all lay, I love their cheeky characters & the way they scratch about. They love cuddles & sitting on your knee, so they still give loads back. Eggs are just an added bonus. I'd still keep chickens, even if I never got a single egg! Space can be a problem I suppose, but nicer to let your existing chooks grow old gracefully, they when they all go get some new ones all together, that way they will get on together from the beginning to the end. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 My 3 ex-bats stopped laying in the summer but I wouldn't dream of getting rid of them, I adore them far too much. I just want them to live out the rest of their lives being pampered and loved. I've even got used to buying supermarket eggs again but must admit I don't eat them as often as when I had freshly laid ones. Perhaps someone on here could offer them a home for you if you desperately want new ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Maybe your girls will start laying again in the Spring Debra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debratugwell Posted December 10, 2007 Author Share Posted December 10, 2007 thanks everyone for your opinions - food for thought as they say! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lozkate Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 Would suggest pressure washer aswell and then treat with.... http://www.dbm-byotrol.co.uk/ Friend used it on greenhouse cos it doesn't contaminate plants growing in there. Sure its animal safe and inhibits the re-growth of algea & moss. Hope this helps. Loz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
