I think the daytime I walk into my local feed store to pick up Taylor , myDelawarechick . The ladyat the storeasked if I need to pick out my chick , and I eagerly accepted . About 10 Delaware chicks were eating , imbibition and napping , except for one . She was stand there gazing up at me , count into my eyes . I looked down at her and instantly jazz she was the one I wanted .
Nine years have exceed since that day , and every 24-hour interval when I go out to see my chickens , Taylor is there looking for me , just like she did the day we met . Shehasn’t laid an eggs in yearsand make a motion a minuscule slow , but she is still as felicitous to see me as when she was young .
While many people believe when a hen stops place , there is no more use for her . They do n’t bonk , however , that older hens can be of neat economic value to the backyard deal owner . From teaching younger layer the roach to dwell chicks and looking out for risk , our lucky hen offer us as much joy today as they did in their untested years .
With the fillip of being the thoroughgoing companion for the flock proprietor , aged hen are truly a joyfulness to own . So before you butcher or rehome your aging hen , take a here and now to consider some of the perks of owning these delicious bird .
Mama Hens
Did you know that erstwhile hens have a good success pace at brood and raising chicks than younger hens ? While no one knows why this is , there are several theories for this behavior .
As biddy age , so do their hormones . These internal secretion mean to a biddy that her soundbox is slowing in egg production , which may be enough variety to induce a hen to go ruminative .
These same low hormone degree can also cause hen to go broody in the free fall in short before a moulting .
Older hens do not have the stamina ascertain in pullet and younger hens , so being content to set on a nest of bollock is no full-grown sight . Also , if the hen has had prior sitting experience , she is more likely to dwell chicks successfully .
The Best Teacher
immature chickens have a wad to learn , and senior biddy are special at teaching them the ropes . Even if a hen does n’t brood the youngster , she will normally be the one to instruct the newly introduced pullets everything they call for to know .
One all-important affair teenaged chicken learn from older hens is how to comport around chickens higher in the pecking order and become a respected flock member . old hen often give ear out with Modern pullets and protect them from other flock extremity , see to it the youngster get access to the feeders and waterers without being severely bullied .
With Experience Comes Wisdom
sr. hens have an reward with all their years of experience . They know how to respond well to situations than younger birds .
Taylor is the first of my hens to mark that it ’s getting dark and it ’s time to channelise into the b for the night . If my hens have some supervise innocent - straddle clip , Taylor will round them up and begin “ herding ” them to the barn . She is also the first to comment hawks or a neighbour ’s computed axial tomography . She then alerts the other hens to the danger or , if necessary , will even remain firm over the younger girl to protect them .
Pest Control
age hen are first-class atpest control condition . have no orchis to lay means they expend all day eating pests and are a better option for gardeners , as they lean to be less vigorous in their scratching . This trait allows them to assist function your soil even after your garden has been plant and plants are set up .
crucial distinction : Older biddy still love treats and other delicacy , so check that they do n’t eat all the fruit and vegetables in your garden .
A Lifelong Friend
Nothing can liken to the shackle you share with your aged hen . These girls realize that most of their biography is behind them and are content to enjoy life at a slower tread . honest-to-goodness hen ( like previous frank ) tend to expose a more devoted affection than young chickens and will fain spend all solar day beside you if given the chance .
While younger hens are very tender to their owners , nothing can compare to the hamper you apportion with an ripened biddy . Taylor and I have buried flock extremity and welcomed new chickens into the sight together . aboveboard , I ca n’t conceive of my life without her .
I know Taylor will no longer be with me one day , but I ’ll never blank out the lessons I have learn from her . Until that sidereal day come , I will smile whenever I listen the sound of Taylor run after me as we do our even task together .
Next time your laying hens slow down orchis laying , consider allow them live the rest of their years with you . you may experience for yourself the joy of elderly hens .
