Spring is here and backyard chicken flocks are booming everywhere! With egg prices going up, more folks are jumping into raising their own chickens While the eggs are definitely a nice bonus, I personally think the funny, quirky personalities of chickens are what make them such great pets
As someone who’s kept chickens for years, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How many eggs does a chicken lay in a month?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, so I’ve put together this guide to help you understand what to expect from your feathered friends.
The Short Answer
Most standard-sized hens lay about 16-20 eggs per month, which works out to 4-5 eggs per week. However, this number varies quite a bit depending on several factors:
- Breed: Light breeds like Leghorns can lay up to 25 eggs monthly
- Age: Younger hens produce more eggs than older ones
- Season: Production peaks in spring and early summer
- Environment: Stress, predators, and poor living conditions reduce laying
The highest recorded egg production for a single hen was a whopping 371 eggs in one year (over 30 eggs per month) but this is extremely rare. Your backyard chickens will likely be closer to the averages I mentioned.
Egg Production by Breed
Different chicken breeds have been developed for different purposes, and this affects how many eggs they lay
| Breed Type | Eggs Per Month | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Prolific Layers | 20-25 | Leghorns, ISA Browns, Anconas |
| Dual Purpose | 15-18 | Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds |
| Ornamental | 8-12 | Silkies, Polish |
| Bantams | 8-10 | Sebright, Dutch |
Leghorns and ISA Browns are commercial favorites because they’re egg-laying machines. If maximum egg production is your goal, these Mediterranean breeds won’t disappoint.
My flock has a mix of breeds, and I notice the difference. My Leghorns are consistently laying 5-6 eggs weekly, while my cute little Silkies only manage about 2-3 eggs a week with their tiny eggs.
Factors Affecting Egg Production
1. Age of the Hen
Chickens typically start laying eggs around 18-24 weeks of age (about 5-6 months old). Their first year is their most productive, and production gradually declines after that:
- Year 1: 100% production (baseline)
- Year 2: About 80% of year 1
- Year 3: About 70% of year 1
- Year 4: About 60% of year 1
- Year 5: About 50% of year 1
So if your hen lays 20 eggs per month in her first year, by year 5 she might only lay about 10 eggs monthly. Commercial farms typically only keep hens for 1-2 years before replacing them, but backyard chicken keepers often keep their hens much longer, even after egg production slows.
2. Daylight Hours
This is HUGE! Chickens need about 14-16 hours of light to maintain optimal egg production. That’s why egg laying naturally decreases during fall and winter when days get shorter.
Here’s a rough estimate of monthly egg production throughout the year:
- January: 15-18 eggs (days starting to lengthen)
- February: 18-22 eggs (more daylight)
- March: 20-25 eggs (peak production as spring begins)
- April: 22-24 eggs (excellent production continues)
- May: 20-23 eggs (consistently high)
- June: 18-20 eggs (heat may start affecting production)
- July: 16-19 eggs (summer heat can lower output)
- August: 15-18 eggs (continued heat impact)
- September: 18-21 eggs (cooler weather improves laying)
- October: 20-23 eggs (last good month before winter)
- November: 15-19 eggs (shorter days decrease production)
- December: 10-14 eggs (shortest days, lowest production)
Some chicken keepers add supplemental lighting in winter to maintain egg production, but others prefer to give their hens a natural break during the darker months.
3. Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for egg production. Laying hens need:
- 16-18% protein in their diet
- Consistent access to calcium (often provided as oyster shell)
- Fresh water at all times
- Balanced feed formulated for laying hens
I’ve noticed when I slack on providing oyster shell, my girls’ eggs start getting thin shells or sometimes even soft shells. Not good!
4. Environmental Factors
Chickens are sensitive creatures, and their egg laying reflects their environment:
- Temperature: Ideal temperature is around 70°F. Extreme heat or cold reduces laying.
- Stress: Predators, loud noises, or changes in routine can stop egg production.
- Space: Overcrowding leads to stress and reduced egg laying.
- Cleanliness: Dirty coops can cause health issues that affect laying.
- Parasites: Mites, lice, or worms can drastically reduce egg production.
One time my neighbor had fireworks, and my hens didn’t lay for almost 3 days after! They’re more sensitive than you might think.
How Often Does a Chicken Lay Eggs?
A healthy hen lays approximately one egg every 24-26 hours. The process of forming an egg begins almost immediately after the previous egg is laid. Because of this natural rhythm, it’s physically impossible for a hen to lay more than one egg per day.
The egg-laying process is pretty fascinating. It starts when light hits a photosensitive gland near the hen’s eye, triggering a hormonal response that begins egg formation. The yolk is released from the ovary and passes through the oviduct, where the white forms around it, followed by the shell membranes and finally the hard shell. The whole process takes about 24-26 hours.
What is the “90/10 Rule” for Chickens?
While researching this article, I came across the “90/10 rule” for feeding chickens, which recommends that 90% of a chicken’s diet should be complete feed, while treats and supplements should make up no more than 10%. This ensures your hens get all the nutrients they need for optimal egg production.
Is It Cheaper to Raise Chickens or Buy Eggs?
This is a common question, and I gotta be honest – in the long run, keeping chickens isn’t usually cheaper than buying eggs, especially when you factor in setup costs. Between the coop, feed, supplements, and occasional vet bills, the economics don’t always work out.
But most chicken keepers will tell you it’s not just about the eggs! The joy of collecting fresh eggs, watching chicken antics, and knowing exactly how your food was produced makes it worthwhile.
How to Maximize Your Hens’ Egg Production
If you want to get the most eggs possible from your flock, here’s what I recommend:
- Choose productive breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, or ISA Browns
- Provide 14-16 hours of light (add supplemental lighting in winter if desired)
- Feed a high-quality layer feed with 16-18% protein
- Offer calcium supplements like oyster shell free-choice
- Keep the coop clean and predator-proof to reduce stress
- Provide adequate space (at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop, more in the run)
- Check regularly for parasites and treat promptly if found
- Offer fresh, clean water at all times
- Replace older hens if maximum production is your goal
- Collect eggs daily to encourage continued laying
When Will My Pullets Start Laying?
Most pullets (young female chickens) start laying eggs around 18-24 weeks of age. Some factors that affect the timing:
- Standard breeds typically start at 5-6 months
- Bantams may start closer to 6-7 months
- Winter/spring hatches often start laying later than summer/fall hatches
- Light breeds tend to mature faster than heavy breeds
You’ll know your pullets are getting close to laying when their combs and wattles become larger and redder. They may also start doing the “submission squat” when you reach toward them – this is instinctive behavior for mating but indicates they’re reaching maturity.
Final Thoughts
So to sum it all up, most chickens will lay between 15-25 eggs per month depending on breed, age, season, and care. The most productive months are typically March through October, with a slowdown during the darker winter months.
Keeping chickens for eggs can be rewarding, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Even the best laying breeds will have days off, and production will naturally decrease as your hens age.
How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?
On average, a healthy, happy hen lays one egg every 24 to 26 hours. That’s about an egg a day, though it’s not guaranteed. Once a hen lays an egg, her body immediately begins forming the next one. Because of this natural rhythm, it’s extremely rare for a hen to lay more than one egg per day.
To help support their health and egg production, I love giving my flock Chicken E-lixir. It’s like a daily vitamin for chickens, packed with calcium, electrolytes, prebiotics and oregano essential oil. Basically, everything hens need to stay strong and productive
What Affects Egg Production in Chickens?
There are several factors that influence how many eggs your chickens will lay. These include:
- Breed Some breeds are egg-laying machines! For example, Leghorns can lay over 300 eggs per year. Breeds like Silkies or Polish chickens, on the other hand, are more ornamental and lay far fewer eggs.
- Age Hens usually start laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months old. Their egg production peaks during the first 1–2 years and gradually slows as they age. My oldest gals are over 6 years old and only lay occasionally now, but I still adore them!
- Lighting Chickens need 14–16 hours of light per day to maintain steady egg production. That’s why many chicken keepers add supplemental lighting in the winter. Personally, I give my girls a seasonal break, but it’s your choice.
- Nutrition A balanced diet rich in protein, calcium and other key nutrients is essential for consistent egg-laying. Supplementing with products like Chicken E-lixir or offering high-quality treats like Golden Graze can help round out their daily diet.
- Stress and Environment Things like dirty coops, illness, predator scares or sudden changes in routine can affect laying. Keeping your coop clean, calm and safe helps keep your hens happy and their laying on track.
When Do Chickens Start To Lay Eggs? 3 Easy Ways To Tell
FAQ
How many eggs a hen lays a day?
The number of eggs a chicken lays depends on the breed, age, and environmental conditions. Generally speaking, however, it takes a hen about 24-26 hours to produce an egg. So, the most you can expect from any hen is one a day with some overlap every few days.
How often do chickens lay eggs?
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.
How many eggs can a hen produce a week?
A hen will produce 5 to 7 eggs a week as long as she has enough light. However, as discussed above, you need to factor in that hens will skip a day every so often. Therefore, if you want to be almost guaranteed of a dozen eggs per week, we’d suggest at least three hens or, depending on the breed, up to five hens.
How many eggs can a chicken have in a year?
In their first year, you can expect up to 250 eggs from high-producing, well-fed backyard chickens. Then, egg counts will naturally decrease each following year with hens entering egg retirement around years six or seven. There’s nothing like the first egg happy dance.
How many hens should a hen have per week?
Therefore, if you want to be almost guaranteed of a dozen eggs per week, we’d suggest at least three hens or, depending on the breed, up to five hens. If you want two dozen eggs per week, then you’d probably want 6 to 10 hens.
When do hens lay the most eggs?
Hens lay the most eggs when daylight exceeds 12-14 hours per day. Warmer temperatures and access to fresh food (like insects and greens) boost egg production. As daylight shortens, hens start laying fewer eggs. Some breeds slow down significantly, while others continue laying at a reduced rate.
How many eggs will 10 chickens lay a week?
Ten hens should lay about nine eggs per day once they all get started. Daily egg production can vary — conditions such as bad weather, dark days, severe cold, frozen water, predators and lack of or poor quality feed will affect hens adversely and may reduce laying. As hens age, they gradually lay fewer eggs.
What is the 90/10 rule for chickens?
These are common questions when it comes to chicken treats, and luckily, we’ve got answers! Our top advice is to follow a 90/10 rule for laying hens: 90% complete layer feed and 10% chicken treats to help provide a balanced diet to your birds.
How often do backyard chickens lay eggs?
On average, a healthy, happy hen lays one egg every 24 to 26 hours. That’s about an egg a day, though it’s not guaranteed. Once a hen lays an egg, her body immediately begins forming the next one. Because of this natural rhythm, it’s extremely rare for a hen to lay more than one egg per day.
What is the lifespan of a chicken egg?
A general rule, unwashed eggs will last around two weeks unrefrigerated and about three months or more in your refrigerator. If you’re experiencing an egg boom, it’s smart to refrigerate any unwashed fresh eggs you aren’t planning to eat immediately. This will help them last longer.