When to hatch out new chicks

[tnmommy]

I love my Australorps and I really want to stay with the breed. When should I hatch out the chicks to replace my layers? I know that most chickens stop laying as well after 2 years. So should I start new chicks when my current layers are 1 1/2?

 

[loveourbirds]

i wait until my hens are 1 year (usually) before i hatch eggs from them. for myself i will hatch from pullets after their eggs get of size on rare breeds.