Such an important article. Thank you. I have a small enough flock (eight chickens) I can observe them well. These tips add to my list of what to look out for.
Thank you for this wonderful article. You underlined what I think I already knew: Let them slow down or stop laying for a few months to allow their egg laying years to go further.
My chickens are my pets, for sure. Yes, I love their wonderful eggs. No comparison to store bought. And, I do miss them in the winter, but I'm more interested in my "girls" to lay longer than lay in the winter.
We just have to deal with it, but the bottom line for us is to be good stewards for my pets.