Lifespans and egg laying

[Kaesi2020]

Hi everyone! This may be on the website somewhere but I am wondering about lifespans for chicken breeds and length of time that certain breeds typically lay eggs for. I have a RSL, 2 BO, and 2 EE that are all 3.5 years old. They have not had any eggs in months now. Are their reproductive years over already? Even in the winter, we would typically get 1-2 eggs per week. Nothing now. Thank you!

 

[grizleyguy]

Maybe there's a new stress to ur flock. Any new dogs, kids, or neighbors?

 

[Kaesi2020]

Maybe there's a new stress to ur flock. Any new dogs, kids, or neighbors?

Not that I can think of. Just winter stuff really- snow on ground, less exercise, dark and cold days. We did have some rats in the run (not the coop) but I think we eliminated them. Does any of that sound stressful enough to change their egg laying?

 

[grizleyguy]

Maybe the rats if they were getting in coop at night or they just don't Wana lay this winter lol. Should start again in spring if not before

 

[Kaesi2020]

Maybe the rats if they were getting in coop at night or they just don't Wana lay this winter lol. Should start again in spring if not before

Thanks for your reply!

 

[grizleyguy]

No problem

 

[Krugerrand]

If rats has been around, it could be worth putting up a trail camera near the nest boxes to be sure they're not stealing the eggs.

 

[Kaesi2020]

If rats has been around, it could be worth putting up a trail camera near the nest boxes to be sure they're not stealing the eggs.

Great idea, thank you!

 

[Morrigan]

Rats will eat eggs. However, I think the larger issue is that it is winter. With rare exception, hens over a year old do not lay in the winter months. They molt in the fall, and then will then cease laying eggs until -- at the earliest -- late January or early February. Older hens, and I put hens in the 3.5 year range in that category, may not start laying until March or April. And egg production will be decreased from earlier years.

 

[Tonyroo]

What are you feeding them since there not laying?