Old Show Hens Laying Question

[Climbingalbatross]

A breeder I purchase routinely from gave me three older hens (2 frizzle satins and 1 silkie) that ceased to lay about 6 months ago. She does not know the age of the hens because Sheri Minkner's neighbor gave them to her prior to Sheri passing. I am told they were from Sheri's show stock, but may not lay again. They eat very little and sit at one location for most of the day (as they used to live in a small pen). They seem very dense in weight when compared to my other silkies. I am wondering if more space for exercise and liquid calcium will resume and prolong their egg laying. I've read that silkies usually continue to lay well after other breeds.

 

[sourland]

I would provide them with a grassy run where they can act like 'chickens' and limit their feed to two feeding sessions a day - all they can eat in 15 minutes each session. The loss of weight and ability to scratch around and exercise may rejuvenate them.

 

[dawn secord]

I have a Sheri Minkner hen - she is 6.5 years old and she started laying again. She took a shining to my young rooster. I hatched one egg thus far in an incubator and it was a robust chick - beautiful. I think having a new rooster made all the difference. She is a Satin