How long does a hen lay eggs??

Most are done with the majority of their eggs after 2.5 years, but I had one that was laying regularly in her 4th year.

 

good egg laying up to 3 years old then one every once in a while. That's what I find

 

From what I've read, many hens will lay their whole lives....they just will slow waaay down so that it may be months (years?) between eggs. I also think, from what I've read, that it varies from bird to bird, but their prime laying years seem to be the first few. Again, this is only from what I've read as my personal experience is limited to this year.

 

Like most animals, and even humans, the number of eggs released is limited. The eggs can be released quickly or slowly, depending on breed. Most modern layers tend to "use up" their egg releases in the first 3 years. These would be the more prolific layer types. Others lay eggs a bit more slowly over time.

 

Most hatchery-bred hens will lay until about 2-4 years, then halt to a stop or lay very few eggs.

Non-hatchery breeds usually lay pretty well up through 5 years old, then taper out to very few at 6 or older. It depends, really. I've heard of hens over 8 years old still laying quite well. Old breeds like Quechua, Gamefowl, etc are especially pretty tough birds.

 

And I learned on here that when they say a three year old hen, they mean that for example, my girl was hatched March 26th, 2010, she laid her first egg about late October, so she is officially a hen October 2011, so 2.5 years after that... so May of 2014? I'm planning on keeping them until they natually die, but this is my understanding... as a newbie myself. I consider age based on birth day (or hatch day) so this kinda messes with me... but if you have a late bloomer they will also have a peak laying time later than the others. What I do like is in hen/chicken years it makes me 19.

 

I had a hatchery black Australorp that laid until 14. Never say never!

 

Quote:AWESOME!!! How often did she lay after a few years? Since my hens will hopefully be making a natural departure, this is very good news!

 

I have a friend who has a 10 year old hatchery hen who lays everyday. Boy, I hope that happens to me!