Ways to Reduce Egg Production in Hens?

[Biggy]

I know this question may sound rather odd because most of the time we want to increase egg production. But I have recently been looking into trying to prevent my older hens from laying or at least slow it down as much as I can. I know that older hens naturally start slowing down but my 4.5 year old girls still lay quite often. I had my favorite hen die because she was egg bound when she was older and I want to prevent this. I don't really eat eggs either. I mainly have chickens because I love them xD. I've heard of hormonal implants but this is so uncommon and I can't find anywhere that will do it. Are there any more natural ways to help slow down egg production as much as possible? Thanks in advance!

 

[aart]

Are there any more natural ways to help slow down egg production as much as possible?

Not really, unless maybe if you feed them low grade feed and/or keep them in the dark for 14 hours a day.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I know this question may sound rather odd because most of the time we want to increase egg production. But I have recently been looking into trying to prevent my older hens from laying or at least slow it down as much as I can. I know that older hens naturally start slowing down but my 4.5 year old girls still lay quite often. I had my favorite hen die because she was egg bound when she was older and I want to prevent this. I don't really eat eggs either. I mainly have chickens because I love them xD. I've heard of hormonal implants but this is so uncommon and I can't find anywhere that will do it. Are there any more natural ways to help slow down egg production as much as possible? Thanks in advance!

There are some places who will “spay” your hens to prevent illnesses in unhealthy hens caused by the reproductive cycle. My hen Joy almost went through a surgery but it’s much to expensive and her body stopped laying anyway. (She was very sick and almost died) I know of almost no places who could do this, and the same goes for the hormones. Putting them in the dark and giving them low quality food will lower egg production but what life is that for a hen?

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

If possible, don't give them artificial lighting this winter, and if they go broody, let them sit for some time, as they stop laying when they go broody. (After laying their clutch of course.)

 

[Biggy]

There are some places who will “spay” your hens to prevent illnesses in unhealthy hens caused by the reproductive cycle. My hen Joy almost went through a surgery but it’s much to expensive and her body stopped laying anyway. (She was very sick and almost died) I know of almost no places who could do this, and the same goes for the hormones. Putting them in the dark and giving them low quality food will lower egg production but what life is that for a hen?

Yeah I agree. The only reason I would be doing this for older hens would be to raise their quality of life. So I definitely wouldn't do that. Thanks!

 

[CHlCKEN]

Yeah I agree. The only reason I would be doing this for older hens would be to raise their quality of life. So I definitely wouldn't do that. Thanks!

Yes, and to do it for a whole flock would leave you broke!