Newbie question about layers

[sunshinegurl08]

Hi, my mum has an allotment and is planning to keep chickens there; we where wondering how long could you expect a ex battery hen to lay, and to live after they have stopped laying? Because if there is a long gap between end of laying and the end of the bird's natural life, obviously there is a choice that needs to be made as to whether to keep them as non-laying pets, or not. Would really appreciate some help with this, thanks! : D

 

[Uppity Peon]

Bump

It depends on a lot of factors. Some hens will be productive beyond 5 years of age. You have to keep them very healthy. But if they quit laying they are still useful at making chicken manure and keeping the mulch stirred up, right?

 

[Mahonri]

Most battery hens don't lay many eggs past 3 years of age... and can live past 5 or 6 years.