SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-live-past-laying

What should you expect when an older hen permanently stops laying?

She may live for years more, and she still needs food and care.

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  1. She may live for years and still need care ✔
  2. She dies within a few weeks
  3. She lays again if you add a rooster

Why: Kentucky Extension says hens stop laying at some point but may live a long time after that. If you keep them as pets, you keep feeding and caring for them, so plan for it before you buy.

Huh, didn't know that: Oregon State Extension says hens only lay well for about two laying cycles.

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How do chickens get strong? Egg-cercise.
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References

Answer: She may live for years and still need care. Kentucky Extension says hens stop laying at some point but may live a long time after that. If you keep them as pets, you keep feeding and caring for them, so plan for it before you buy.

  1. University of Kentucky: 10 backyard chicken basics exclusives.mgcafe.uky.edu/2023/anr/10-backyard-chicken-basics
    Chickens stop producing eggs at some point in their lives and may live a long time beyond their egg-laying years.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Oregon State Extension: Thinking about backyard chickens? Know the costs and care first extension.oregonstate.edu/news/thinking-about-backyard-chickens-know-costs-care-first
    They only lay well for two cycles so what are you going to do with the bird at the end of their life cycle?
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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