Aging Hens, Fewer Eggs: "Understanding Egg Decline in Older Hens"

My 5 1/2 year old Cochin, still gifting me with eggs. Picture taken August 29th, 2025.

Backyard chicken keepers often notice that their flock's egg baskets aren't as full as they once were. A pullet (young hen) that once laid consistently may begin producing fewer eggs as the years go by. While this decline can be frustrating, it's completely natural. Understanding why egg production slows down as hens age will help you manage expectations and care for your flock with confidence.

The Peak Years of Egg Production

Most hens reach their peak laying performance between 6 months and 2 years of age. During this time, they have the strongest reproductive systems, healthy hormone levels and excellent shell quality. Depending on the breed (hybrids tend to be better egg producers than heritage breeds) a young hen can lay 4-6 times per week during her first laying season.

Why Production Declines Over Time

1. Hormonal Shifts

   Egg laying is controlled by hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. As hens get older, hormone level drop which reduces the frequency or ovulation which is egg laying.

2. Longer Molts

   Older hens take more time to recover from their annual molt. Younger hens may bounce back quickly, but mature hens often take longer breaks, meaning fewer eggs are produced during recovery periods.

3. Decline in Shell Quality

   Calcium metabolism becomes less efficient with age. This not only impacts shell thickness and strength but also signals that the hen's reproductive system is slowing down.

4. Overall Energy Allocation

   Older hens tend to shift their energy from egg production toward body maintenance, feather growth and general health. Their bodies instinctively prioritize survival over reproduction.

5. Decline in Egg Yolk

   This is a myth, a baby chick is hatched with a lifetime supply of ova (yolks) already set. She will have hundreds of thousands and would take decades of daily egg production to deplete. A hen can lay eggs her entire life if she is in good health and her diet is correct.

What Backyard Keepers Can Do

While you can't stop the natural slowdown, you can support aging hens in a few ways:

• Provide high-quality feed with balanced protein, calcium and vitamins.

• Offer oyster shell in a separate dish for strong shells.

• Maintain a stress-free environment to avoid unnecessary drops in production.

• Accept the cycle-older hens may not lay daily but they will still have the ability to lay eggs if they are healthy and that is achieved by keeping treats and extras to less than 5-10% of their daily diet. They can also contribute to your flock by deterring pests (insects), teaching younger birds and providing companionship.

The Takeaway

Egg production slowing down with age is a normal part of a hen's life cycle. While the number of eggs may decline, your older hens still have value beyond what they put into the nest box. By adjusting your expectations and supporting their nutritional and health needs, you can ensure they live long and productive lives-even though their best egg laying days are behind them, they are still able to contribute to that egg basket. Just not at the same rate they did their first two years.