Do chickens stop laying fertile eggs at a certain age?

[Rileycee]

We have a Bantam Silkie X Orpington Hen who is laying an egg every 2nd day. Shes about 8-years-old. We've attempted to hatch eggs from her (naturally and with a Incubator) but aren't getting anything. The Rooster is doing his "job" as hes fathered other chics with our other Hens. He jumps on her often - though it is a bit of struggle. Shes a bit bigger then him. Hes a Silkie and would be about 3-years-old. You can tell hes tried because there is a bit of a "mess" on her black feathers afterwards. Hen is in my profile pic.

 

[GitaBooks]

After a certain age, fertility does drop in chickens. Or at least, that's why I hear, hopefully my chickens will make it to 8+ years as well.

 

[CrazyTalk]

Are the other hens a different size? If there's a mess on her feathers, it sounds like an...alignment issue

 

[Rileycee]

GitaBooks - She is our "old girl". She doesn't sleep with the rest of the chickens. She comes inside when shes ready for bed and hops into her bed. She cant jump onto the perch anymore in the Coop and plus it keeps her out of the weather.

CrazyTalk - I think so too. The others are smaller. Silkie and Araucanas. Shes our only "part" Orpington so she is the biggest hen.

 

[drumstick diva]

Chickens stop laying fertile eggs when the rooster is no longer breeding them. Eight years is pretty old for an average hen, I wouldn't want to put her through hatching eggs even if she could manage to have some fertile ones. Your girl deserves a relaxing retirement.

 

[Rileycee]

drumstick_diva - Yes she does. That's why she gets special treatment She spends most of her time by herself under the hedge or deck during the day. While the others run around. Also I didn't expect her to bring the chics up We have a clucky hen that does a great job.