Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

Ok, so a question.
I've read over and over again that chickens lay best w/in their first year. So, if a pullet begins laying at say 7, 8, or 9 months (or whatever) will her best laying time only continue through the 12 month mark (technically)? Or is the 1 year of "best laying" begin at point of lay with the first egg and then for a year after?

If you are wanting chickens for egg laying, what is a general age to retire a chicken and replace with new stock? I know this can be somewhat broad considering breeds, hybrid vs heritage, but is there a general age?
 
My opinion (no one scold me!) is that they mean from the first molt.
As for a general age to replace your hands, two years I believe is average. A production bird lays very well for about two years, and the heritage will lay great for I believe four.
 
Of course, when replacing your hands you should always use a human prosthetic! :lau
Otherwise, I was saying "hen" but my phone does not recognize that word!
 
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Two of our Pomeranian geese laid their first eggs today! :D

The one on the right is from Morgana, the one on the left is from Luna. (The top one is a jumbo duck egg for comparison)
Melody's the only one left who has to lay. :D

700
 
Ya'll are crAzy!
lau.gif


So from first molt through that year forward is supposed to be best production or am I totally confused (it's my general state of being!)?
My first flock was a Jan 2015 hatch. First egg was May 2015 and successively thereafter from each hen. None of them have molted yet.
 
Two of our Pomeranian geese laid their first eggs today!
big_smile.png


The one on the right is from Morgana, the one on the left is from Luna. (The top one is a jumbo duck egg for comparison)
Melody's the only one left who has to lay.
big_smile.png


Wow, that top one looks like a little 'ole chicken egg in comparison! Nice eggs!! First eggs are always so exciting. :)
 

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