Egg laying span

[cherileg]

I am considering 3 to 4 egg laying chicks. I am concerned about how long they lay eggs and what their life span is. I know they will become part of our family and won't know what to do with them when they no longer lay eggs?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Last year my 3 year olds were still laying every day. This year, as 4 year olds, they're laying less, but still doing well. Some chickens are better layers than others, even as pullets. Long term, I think it helps a lot if you give them a really good diet. Chickens can live into their teens, but not all do.

 

[Fred's Hens]

What to do with older chickens and deciding when older is old, confronts all flock keepers.

I rotate in new pullets at six month spacing. 2 year old hens are rotated out. They go to a needy family who decides whether to allow another year of egg laying or for putting in their freezer for feeding their large family.

I know some "pet chicken" keepers allow them to live out their days. As a farm, we take, of course, a different approach with decisions based far more on economics.