If a hen stops laying, will she still brood?

[ciracat]

If a hen stops laying, will she still brood? I have a older pet hen, who is getting closer to stop laying, but I was hoping she would still be able to nest on the eggs I place in her nest. She is a really good bird, and wonderful mother. Any ideas?

 

[junebuggena]

As long as hen is healthy, she will produce eggs for as long as she lives. The rate at which those eggs are produced does decline over the years, though. Even very old hens (10 years or more) can still lay the occasional egg. She should still be more than willing to brood for you as she ages.