One of the most common questions new hobbyists and farmers ask when they first start raising chickens is, “How many eggs do chickens lay?”. I wish the answer was simple, but there are a lot of factors that influence the exact amount.
Some chickens lay almost daily, while others lay a few times a week or not at all, that is if they are a rooster, of course. Only hens lay eggs once they are mature, and they lay eggs regardless of whether it has been fertilized by a male or not.
If you are looking for a detailed answer to all your egg-related questions, then this article is for you.
How Many Eggs Do Chickens Lay a Day?
Most chickens lay an average of one egg a day or about three to seven eggs per week. Although rare, some chickens can lay two eggs per day. This rare occurrence sometimes happens due to irregular laying in pullets (young hens). They produce what is known as “pullet eggs”, which are smaller than regular eggs and typically laid within the first month of starting their egg-laying cycle. One of the eggs will likely have a thinner shell or another abnormality because it can take a few weeks to establish a proper egg-laying cycle.
It’s important to note that most chickens don’t lay an egg every day and certain breeds lay less often than others. Chickens generally lay fewer eggs when under stress, during molting periods, or sudden extreme temperature changes.
How Many Eggs Do Chickens Lay Per Year?
Chickens lay about 150 to 250 eggs on average per year. However, some prolific egg-laying chickens, such as the Rhode Island Red, can lay up to 300 eggs per year.
According to the Guinness World Records, a White Leghorn chicken currently holds the world record for laying 371 eggs in 364 days. Breeds such as Silkies and Cochins produce fewer eggs per year than most chickens. Silkies only lay around 100 eggs per year, while Cochins average about 150 eggs.
At What Age Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
Chickens can only lay eggs once their reproductive systems are mature, which varies between different breeds and individual hens or pullets. Just like people, chickens can be either early or late bloomers.
Most pullets start laying eggs at 6 months of age, but some can start as early as 4 months or as late as 8 months. However, many hobbyists find that 20 to 24 weeks is a common age for their pullets to start laying.
Hens do not need a rooster to be able to lay eggs. They can lay unfertilized eggs without a rooster’s involvement, which is often preferred if they are being raised for egg production.
Hens continue to lay eggs for the next several years and reach peak egg production between two to three years old. Industrial breeds have been created to produce a lot of eggs within the first few years before their egg production slows down. Most heritage breeds will continue to produce eggs for 3-5 years but at a slightly slower rate.
How Often Can a Chicken Lay an Egg?
A chicken can only lay an egg every 24-26 hours, which is the time it takes them to complete an egg-laying cycle. Creating an egg is a lot of work and the entire process can take up to 26 hours to complete. This is why most hens can only lay one egg a day and not multiple, except in the rare case I previously mentioned. Hens ovulate a new yolk after laying an egg, so the cycle for the new egg begins right away.
What Factors Influence How Many Eggs a Chicken Lays?
The amount of eggs a chicken lays depends on several factors, which are as follows:
Breed
Certain chicken breeds have been specifically created for egg production purposes. They will have qualities such as robust health, quick growth, and the ability to adapt well to different climates. They are called “layer” breeds, with the Rhode Island Red, Sussex, and Plymouth Rock chickens being good examples. They tend to lay a lot of quality eggs within a few years, which is ideal for large-scale farms.
Some breeds were created with beauty or companionship in mind, so they don’t necessarily need to have the same qualities. For example, Silkies are bred for ornamental purposes and to be docile so that they make better pets. Most Bantam breeds have a lower egg production than standard-sized chicken breeds, making them better suited for meat production.
Diet
Egg-laying chickens need a healthy diet to regulate their egg production cycle. An unhealthy diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to growth and hormonal issues, which can impact egg quality.
It can also cause hens to stop laying eggs because they aren’t getting the right levels of protein, calcium, and energy they need to be healthy. I give my hens this crushed oyster shell to boost up their calcium and help with their laying.
You should always make sure that your hens are fed a balanced diet to encourage them to regularly lay healthy eggs.
See more info in my guide to what chickens eat.
Temperature and Lighting
Chickens lay eggs according to light-sensitive hormones, as several studies suggest. They need at least 14-16 hours of light per day to maximize their egg-laying cycle. This can either be through natural or artificial lighting or even a combination of both. Some studies have also shown that different wavelengths of light can affect a chicken’s hormone levels and egg production.
I’ve found that our chickens lay more eggs during spring and summer due to longer days and warmer temperatures. My friend Heidi and I were chatting about this the other day now the days are getting shorter.
Longer daylight hours help to maintain a chicken’s reproductive system and natural circadian rhythm so that they can lay more eggs year-round, even on short winter days. This is how commercial farmers ensure that their chickens can consistently supply eggs! They set up the right artificial conditions to promote laying.
Do you want a little hack to do that in your coop? Check out this light with a timer. You can set it up to suit your part of the world. It will help your ladies keep laying even when daylight hours get shorter!
The influence that hormones, temperature, and lighting have on a chicken’s egg production is incredibly fascinating to me, as I’m sure many of you will agree. Another little rabbit hole to learn how to help your feathered friends.
In Conclusion
To summarize what I’ve discussed above, the amount of eggs a chicken lays varies significantly. With the right breed, diet, and conditions, your backyard chickens can lay nearly an egg a day! Some chicken breeds are more prolific egg layers than others, usually because they have been bred for this specific purpose.
Hens can start laying eggs between 4 to 8 months of age, although 6 months is more common. It takes between 24-26 hours for an egg to fully develop, which is why hens won’t lay multiple eggs per day. So, how many eggs do chickens lay? You can expect them to lay one egg nearly every day.
My website is community supported. This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission. This never changes the cost to you. I only recommend items trusted and loved by myself and others in the world of Pet Chickens.
FAQ: Getting Started with Egg-Laying Chickens
Q: What should I feed my chickens to help them lay more eggs?
A: Providing a balanced diet is essential for egg production. Feed your hens a high-protein layer feed that includes calcium to strengthen eggshells, as well as fresh greens and occasional treats for variety. If your hens are laying fewer eggs than expected, consider adding supplements like oyster shell for extra calcium or grit for digestion. With a proper diet, your chickens will stay healthy and productive, rewarding you with a steady supply of eggs.
Q: Why aren’t my chickens laying eggs every day?
A: It’s normal for hens to skip days in their egg-laying cycle, especially during seasonal changes, molting, or stress. Factors like breed, age, diet, and light exposure also influence laying frequency. If your hens seem stressed, adding enrichment items or extra coop space can help. Once you get their environment right, and you get a grip on their laying rhythm, you will do a little dance on your way back from the coop!
Q: How do I know when my pullets are ready to start laying eggs?
A: Pullets typically start laying eggs around 18-24 weeks old, although some breeds may take longer. You’ll notice signs like comb and wattle growth, “squatting” behavior, and more time spent in nesting boxes. Seeing that first egg is an exciting moment! It’s a sign your hens are happy and healthy in their new environment.
Q: How many eggs can I expect from my hens each week?
A: Most hens lay about 3-5 eggs per week, though prolific breeds can produce up to 7. However, chickens need rest days, so you may not get an egg every day. Choosing high-production breeds, like Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns, can maximize your weekly egg count. When you get those first few eggs, you will probably start finding ways to track them too.
Q: What can I do to keep my hens laying eggs during winter?
A: Winter often slows down egg production due to shorter daylight hours. To keep egg production steady, consider using a safe light source to extend “daylight” to 14-16 hours. Be sure to provide extra bedding, high-energy feed, and shelter from cold winds to keep them cozy. By thinking about and providing them with what they need, your happy hens should reward you with winter eggs!
