Old hens: are they still laying?

[Emdaniels88]

I have about 20 hens of varying ages in my flock. Some were passed in to me by family, and some came with the house we purchased last year. I don’t know the ages of any of those chickens.
I have a feeling most are now past prime laying age. I know how to check the pelvic bones and vent to see if they’re still laying, but is there an ideal time of year to do this? Right now hardly any are laying because of the poor weather and short days. Thanks!

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hello! My aunt has hens that are eight years old and are still laying during prime time.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Now is not the ideal time to check, as even younger adult birds aren't yet laying regularly, in most northern hemisphere areas.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The vent and pelvic checks show whether they are laying but do not show how much. It may be once a week or 6 days a week. That can be a way to eliminate any that are not laying but the only ways I can think of to really assess that are trap nests (probably not viable unless you are available all day) or cameras to see who is using the nests. Hopefully you can tell them apart.

 

[Wot The Flock]

I have a 9yo still laying, although she has slowed down since eight.
Depends on the breed, and the individual chicken.