how old are hens when they start to lay eggs
When laying hens are around 18 months old, they begin their first molt. This is the process where chickens lose a lot of their feathers, then grow new ones. Molting requires the consumption of extra calories and protein and may take 3 1/2 months or more. During this period, the hen will slow down production and then stop laying eggs. Many chicken keepers order replacement pullets 6 months or so ahead of time and cull the older hens when they start their first molt.