What are clues that hens are too old to lay?

[Farmerbetsy]

Two of our hens died a few months ago of unknown causes. Egglaying in the other 6 hens and two ducks has completely stopped for the past two months, as well.

Here in Seattle, sunrise is about 8 am and sunset is about 4 pm. We do have a light on in their nesting box from about 4 to about 9 pm. (I think).

We have a mixed flock. One Indian Runner, one fat white duck (both used to lay one egg per day monotonously). Two tiny banties ages 5 years old, that used to lay one egg per day religiously. Then I'm not sure who is left ... but a variety, all 2 1/2 years old.

Is it likely that they are on winter break and laying will start again once the days get longer? My husband wants to know when we eat them and I said I know that their combs change color... or something.

can you help?

 

[s6bee]

For the younger ones I would guess break rather than retired. Hopefully they kick back into gear soon, but they probably need the rest....
Are they molting at all?

 

[CarriBrown]

They are probably on break. Most of us are dealing with free-loading hens at the moment!