My Ameraucana hens are now moving into their 3rd summer. I have 11 of the original 16 left. Although they are getting some age on them, they are still laying well. They average about 6 eggs a day, although on occasion I will receive as low as 4 or as high as 9 eggs. I believe I have one hen that has never laid an egg at all. She is the smallest, and I have never seen her near a nesting box, not even once. I know I should get rid of her, but I rather like her, so I guess she has a home for life.
We recently planted our garden, so the chickens are not allowed out of their pen unless I'm outside to watch them. My dog is getting really good about chasing them back into the backyard, but if I'm not outside watching, she doesn't watch for them either.
At least I'm getting in some reading time each evening. I take my book to the picnic table about 7:30 every evening, let the chickens out, and read for an hour or so. I keep one eye on the book and one on the garden, while I wait for them to go back in the coop around 8:30 each evening.
