how long do chickens lay for

[kychickguy]

i was wondering how long do chickens lay eggs for before its time to get new ones

 

[mdbokc]

I have Golden Comets and RIRs. I get almost an egg a day per bird for two years. Then it drops to 30% - 40% of that rate. I add birds every couple of years here. I would every year if I have a predator problem which, knock on wood, has not been serious at this time...and yearly additions have not been necessary for us.

 

[MareeZoCool]

My first hen lay eggs for 5-6 years. Her last egg was on Easter Sunday, 2006. She died a few days later.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Chickens can lay eggs for a long time. Eventually, they start to lay less often. When that happens depends on the particular chicken. I had 3 year olds laying every day last year and as 4 year olds they are still laying 3 out of 4 days. Feeding them enough protein and a good quality protein helps, too. Not giving them a lot of extra carbs without also giving additional protein also helps.

 

[Judy]

My oldest are about 4 years and all are still laying. They don't lay as often after two years but they lay larger eggs; mine are often too big to fit in the XL store bought carton I have.

 

[mdbokc]

Yep, I forgot that. They do get bigger when less often. XL cartons are often too small for those here as well.

 

[ranchhand]

A rare case, but I had an Australorp who laid until she was 14! Usually mine lay until they die, just not as often as they did when they were younger.

 

[kickenChickens]

Yeah but the big egg isn't a for sure identifier of decreasing egg production.... My 20 to 25 week old BSLs lay eggs nearly 3 1/2" tall and they lay on average 9 out of 10 days.