Who has OLD(er) laying hens???

[teach1rusl]

My question originates from a current post "Chickens as pets only." Many people seem to "replenish" their flocks around the 2-3 year mark when egg production decreases. But I've heard some people say that their hens continue laying 6-8 years in, just not as often. I'd love to hear from people who have older hens that continue to lay. What breeds? How often do you get eggs? Do you attribute anything to their longevity of egg production? Any info you can give would be great. Many of us are interested!

 

[lauralou]

I have 2 hens that hatched Spring 2007. I know that's not so very old, but they are still quite productive. They lay very well, when they aren't broody. When they are broody, they make fantastic, reliable mothers. Very experienced. I wouldn't dream of culling either of them.

I don't supplement light in the winter, and my hope is that by giving them a natural rest from egglaying, my hens will remain productive longer.

 

[rhodiegal]

I have two barred rock hens that are 5 years old. They still lay on a regular basis. However, I noticed a longer period of time during molts and weather changes where they do not lay then when they were younger. One actually went broody for the first time ever this past Spring!

 

[Chickn chick 46]

I have 8 hens. Three that are around 3 yrs. old and 5 that are around 5 years old. The older hens actually are the better layers, except for the EE, she lays about 4 times a week. The older ones are Australorps and Barred Rocks. They have amazed me in their laying abilities at their age. I can usually expect 4-5 eggs aweek from each of them.

I don't know that I'm doing any thing special that keeps them going. Keeping the coop clean, fresh water with ACV, and healthy treats is all I really am doing.
The down side however is that last fall they molted and went on egg laying vacation for the winter! Yes the entire winter not one egg from Nov till March.

It killed me to have to buy grocery store eggs