Time to lay again?

[Ritasfeatheredfriends]

I have 3 chickens (4 years old) who had stopped laying about 18 months ago. They have been free range since the garden was done in October. This morning I found 7 fresh eggs in the next box. I have accused my husband of trying to pull an April Fools joke. How is that possible they would start laying again after 18 months?

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Spring time hormones kicking back in. Some people have reported the occasional egg from 10+ year old hens! (though that is rare). Are you checking the nest boxes daily? If not then they may have accumulated over some period of time. What breed are they? It's possible that they may have been hiding eggs, but 18 months is a long time so I don't think that is likely.

 

[Ritasfeatheredfriends]

Thank you for your reply. I have 2 Buffingtons and a road island red. They are very friendly. I check the house about every 3 days, and was so shocked to find eggs. I didn't know that would be possible after all time. Thanks again.

 

[aart]

How is that possible they would start laying again after 18 months?

Wonders if they may have had a secret nest out in range area.
You may stumble across it one day.