Egg Laying How Often & How Long & Then What?

[julnjake]

Forgive my ignorance, I'm new to this, I've read the FAQ several times but I'm still unsure of a few things. How often does a hen lay? And did I read somewhere that they typically only lay for a few years? But live for 10-14 yrs? What do people do with their hens that quit laying? I'm sure some people keep them around regardless but I assume others don't? So do they rehome them? Butcher them?

 

[galanie]

They lay about once every 36 hours or less. Depends on the breed, really. Some can lay 300 or more a year, others only lay 3-5 times a week. Older hens can still lay, just not nearly as often as they did in their "prime" of less than 3 years. Most butcher them once they get past their prime or give them away. Some that only keep them 1 - 1 1/2 years will then sell them as laying hens to backyard people.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Quote:
x2 Good information.

 

[JodyJo]

usually one egg every 25 hours...depending on breed. I have 2 Australorp hens, it has been noted there was one in Australia that laid, 364 eggs in 365 days...amazing!

So it depends on the chicken...one a day, one every other day...

galanie is right, we either let them live out their lives, butcher, sell or give away....