Then they slow down, and stop altogether by around age 4-5. Then it's time for them to take a trip to soup camp.
I've built a 8x8 coop for under $100 using reclaimed pallets for the base, walls and roof. But if you aren't handy, you'll pay a lot more for a premade coop.
Laying hens typically cost $4/chick in the spring, and won't start laying until they're 6-8 months old, so the first year is basically all feed costs, no eggs. If you have a flock with a rooster and you're using breeds known for good mothering, they'll hatch chicks on their own in the spring. I sell my excess chicks for $2 each. My house came with a flock of chickens, and I've been breeding them for 15 yr now. I periodically add a few new birds to maintain genetic diversity.
No one who raises chickens for food takes them to a vet. Most vets don't even work with chickens. If sick, you just kill and bury them.
The waste is pure gold. Composted chicken manure is invaluable to growing a vegetable garden. I'd argue the manure is more valuable than the eggs.
It helps that I'm on a few acres, so I can let them free range most of the year.
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