Welsummer laying again after over 12 months break ?

[BigFuzzball]

Hi, just wanted to see if it's unusual for a 5.5yr old Welsummer to start laying again after over a year without any.....
Her lifetime partner in crime, a Cream Legbar died some weeks ago so we introduced 3 point of lay birds to get back to 4 girls but also company for her as she's always been THE 'mother hen'.
The 3 newbies/ babies started laying at different times but today our adored Dottie has joined in !! Rare occurrence or not unusual please ??
Thanks, John.

 

[Zenmonkey]

I don't think it is terribly rare. It's that time of year, bright long days, hormones surging. She's likely inspired to push out a couple more eggs. I wouldn't count on seeing many from her though.

 

[Seaslug]

Our 6 year old California White started to lay again this year, after stopping for around 10 months last year, likely due to stress (she was laying regularly until a dog killed a flock mate, then flock adjustments with new additions and a super hot summer.) While she was a normal 6 days a week layer for the first 4 years and barley slowed in her 5th year, she is currently laying 2xs a week now. But we are pleased that she is laying at all and that she is happy and healthy.