[paulsou]

I am new to keeping chickens but i was sold 7 chickens previously which are 18 months old warrens, i am only getting 2-3 eggs a day so i am assuming that i have some non layers. if they are not laying but they are not table birds can anybody suggest what to do with them, can they be killed for meat for currys etc??? or are they totally useless?? I cannot afford to keep them for the company any ideas!!! As i said i am new to chickens, am i expecting too much from these chickens???

[sheila]

My warrens lay almost everyday. Are you sure they are not laying somewhere else?

[paulsou]

I collected them a week ago where they where kept in small run but now they are in a 150 sq mtr run, i walk round several times a day in case they have laid elsewhere but nothing, they are great birds but i cant keep them for pets!

[catomell]

At 18 months old, and at this time of year. prior to moult, they should be laying daily. Have just checked your post again, and you say that you have only had them a week. Generally, if I buy in, or indeed sell a hen in-lay, I recommend that you wait at least a fortnight before expecting results, as a move of house and a change in environment can put them off the lay for quite some time. An example would be some hens that I sold, and had them returned and a refund demanded after one week (despite the fact that I had explained the above to the purchaser). After two weeks back with me, the hens all returned to full lay. Also, as it gets warmer, you may be prone to an early moult, so bear that in mind....
And, if all else fails, they will not be brilliant as a whole bird for roasting, but will probably joint up OK.....
Good Luck.

[paulsou]

I will bare with them for now, thanks for your help.