A great article for folks that raise chickens especially for folks that are new to it. Vicki Mattern over on Mother Earth News explains when it is the right time to butcher your laying hens and explains why it is logical to do so. Good to know.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/when-to-butcher-laying-hens-zm0z13djzsor.aspx#axzz2lafoGPzU