What is the age a hen will usually stop laying?

[Whispering Winds]

I got my issue of Chickens for Dummies, and its VERY good. LOTS of info and stuff that even I can understand, so it definitely is for me. . .but it was talking in one section about your hens and when they quit laying, what you can do with them (well, as far as I am concerned the old gal will have a home with me until the Lord calls her to Chicken Heaven!!!) and it made me think I have no clue how long a hen lays? I am sure it depends upon their general health and how they were cared for, and also breed maybe???

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Our oldest chicken hen is about 8 or 9 years old. She still lays a few eggs but not many. She is still a great sitter and mother hen though!!! She is just a mixed hen

Steve in NC

 

[Chickn chick 46]

I have to agree with you about having a home forever. My hens are going on 5 years and they still lay regularly, however I have noticed reduced shell quality in some which I set aside for kitchen use, not to sell.

The molt in the fall is a hard time b/c we have absolutly ZERO eggs from November to March. I'd be happy with just one from somebody.