When do hens stop laying eggs??

[jenjen]

At what age do hens generally stop laying?? 4 years?? 5 years??? 6 years????

 

[portlandpeeps]

here's what WikiAnswers has to say:

Egg production varies with the breed of chicken. In general, chicks start their egg laying at about 5 to 6 months old and reach peak production at about 9 months. This continues for about 18 to 30 months and starts to decline. As the chicken ages, egg production is less reliable until they stop completely. Non productive chickens can live up to as old as 12 years.

Enjoy those eggs while they're young!

 

[jenjen]

Thanks! I had a friend that was trying to pawn off some 4 or 5 year old hens that she said were still laying,,,,,, but I didn't believe her so I didn't take them. Thanks for the info. I didn't know it was such a short time span.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

LOL Sounds like she didn't want to keep them and wanted YOU to be stuck with the old ones while she got new fresh ones. Nice friend! Glad you said no.