laying longevity

[snewman]

How long do chickens continue laying eggs? Is it years? Months? I assume productivity and viability diminish as they age, but what is an average expectancy for laying life?

 

[silkiechicken]

First few years is the best, tapers down for the few years after that, but someone on the board here had a hen lay and egg at age 16. So it will vary by breed. I say they will be the best in years 2-3, and taper from there.