There are some tough decisions ahead for Lucky Cluckers.  As the majority of Lucky Cluck hens enter their annual molt, egg production plummets.  Right now, though we have 25 laying hens and one handsome rooster, I am collecting roughly 3-6 eggs/day.  This is weak but expected with the molt.  What is more important is that during the height of the laying season when over 20 of the hens should have been laying I was only collecting 9-13 eggs/day.  In fact the record for a single day was 13 eggs.  Now in the past 6 months I haven’t heard any complaints from Lucky Cluckers that they needed more eggs or were not getting enough.  I imagine that will change soon. 

What to do?  It’s true that we have some old hens living the good life at Lucky Cluck now.  If egg production is our goal then some, if not all, of these girls need to be culled to make room for new hens next spring. If chicken appreciation is our goal then we just let the girls live out their happy life and each of us cuts back on egg consumption.  I think there will be disagreement among Lucky Cluckers on this matter.  I already know three members are more than willing to cull one or more of his/her hens and I know two members who would just as soon lynch me for suggesting that they even consider culling one of their beloved hens.  I’m in both camps, call me a moderate.  I would be willing to cull one or more of my hens but there is NO WAY I’m loosing others.  Chi-chi for instance or Chickie Mama. I am also unwilling to cull particular chickens even if they don’t belong to me.  Talla and either of the D’anvers are in this camp.  I think the devil lives in anyone who would be willing to kill one of these sweet hens.  No doubt there will be some thoughts on this…do share them!!