will my hen lay all year round?

[eggshell]

how long do hens lay for? apologies for being naive, i was wondering if they lay all year or do they stop in winter. also will they lay throughout their lives?

 

[AllChookUp]

I think it depends upon the breed. I have Buff Orpingtons and Gold Laced Wyandottes, and they are supposed to be excellent winter layers. Some hens go into a "molt" and will stop laying during that period (30-40 days) - But that's usually due to heat, not cold. Also, once a hen gets too old, they'll stop laying.

Hope this helps.

 

[eggshell]

thanks! what is the lifespan of a chicken? i've heard many different things, seven years seems the most popular, is that the case do you know?

 

[Cindy in PA]

One of my first chickens back in 1993 was a Barred rock that lived until 8 years 3 months. She was a pet and was saved from several cullings, because of that. I have heard chickens can live 10 years or more. She stilled layed eggs at 8, but only one every week or so.

 

[pokey]

i have different breeds and my hens lay year round. they will slow down during the molt, and if one goes through a full molt she may stop for a few weeks. but we usually don't have bone cold weather here. usually maybe 30-20 at night in the winter.and mine are sheltered with a wind break. but i have not placed a heat lamp in the coop yet.