The sex-links that I have kept past their second laying season, still laid, not as often, but the eggs were larger, a lot of double yolkers. But, I lost a lot of them to prolapses and what I suspect was peronitis (sp?). Anyone who tends to make pets out of their hens is probably going to be horrified the first time they see a prolapse. Not to mention the vet costs for treating prolapse or a hen that is egg bound. So to sum this up, I would suggest anyone that has qualms about culling hens to choose another breed. And before anyone jumps on me for my opinion, I do have (and really like) sex-links. They are the back bone of my laying flock. But, I cull all of my hens after their second laying season. And I have no problem culling any sick hen.......
