Cull Regularly for Increased Production

It is questionable whether or not it pays to keep a flock longer than the pullet year, since a hen lays 20 to 25 percent less eggs her second year than her first. Furthermore, this loss in production the second year takes place during the fall months when the price of eggs is usually the highest. Keeping a flock the second year also makes disease prevention and control more difficult. An increasing number of South Dakota poultry growers make it a rule to sell every hen over a year old every year. They get more eggs with less feed. They make more money doing it. (See more in text.