Do "closed" pelvic bones ever "open" again?

[mendygnl]

I'm relatively new to raising layers, but was told by someone that when a hen stops laying, her pelvic bones will "close" up, and they need to be culled. Is that really true? What if they just take their winter "break" while the days are shorter? I understand they will lay again when the days grow longer, and am confused about this. Hope someone with more experience will explain this, as I've searched and can't find anything about this topic. Thank you.

 

[pips&peeps]

Obviously, that someone was FOS. In medical terms full of stool.

 

[mendygnl]

I checked one of my layers who is less than a year old, who is on egg laying vacation, and her pelvic bones are only about 1 finger width apart. She is a nice barred rock, and I'm sure she will lay again once the days get longer. I'm so glad to see your reply, pips&peeps, because my girls are too young to start culling them. Thanks!

 

[DTchickens]

They will reopen, but eventually when the hen gets too old (which by then the eggs will slow down a good bit and most people will cull anyway) they won't.

-Daniel.

 

[Karrie13]

I had an EE hen who was laying then she stopped, her pelvic bones were a finger tip apart then the other day I got a nice olive egg from her! I wouldn't worry about it. My EE will only be a year old in May so I am sure yours will lay again soon.

 

[mendygnl]

Thank you all so much for the insight. This site is a wonderful source of information from people who speak from experience. Thanks again.