How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

One of the first questions new chicken keepers ask is “How often will my chickens lay eggs?” The answer depends on several factors, including breed, age, season, diet, and overall health. While some hens can lay almost every day at their peak, others lay far less frequently. Understanding what’s normal, and what affects egg production, will help you manage expectations and keep your flock healthy and productive.

How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs on Average?

Most healthy laying hens produce:

• 4–6 eggs per week during their peak laying period
• Roughly 200–300 eggs per year, depending on breed

Chickens do not lay an egg every day indefinitely, and no hen will lay consistently all year round without breaks.

Egg laying follows a natural cycle influenced by daylight, hormones, and energy levels.

At What Age Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?

Most chickens begin laying at:

• 18–24 weeks old (around 4½–6 months)

This varies by breed:

• Hybrid and commercial layers may start as early as 16 weeks
• Traditional and heavy breeds often start closer to 22–26 weeks

Before laying their first egg, hens often show signs such as:

• Reddening of the comb and wattles
• Squatting when approached
• Increased interest in nest boxes

The first eggs are usually small and may be irregular in shape. This is normal.

How Long Do Chickens Keep Laying Eggs?

Chickens lay eggs for most of their adult lives, but production decreases with age.

Typical laying pattern:

• First year: highest egg production
• Second year: around 70–80% of peak output
• Third year and beyond: gradual decline

Many hens continue to lay occasionally into their fifth or sixth year, though egg numbers are much lower.

Older hens often lay larger eggs, even as frequency decreases.

Does Every Chicken Lay Eggs Daily?

No. Even excellent layers do not lay every day forever.

Reasons include:

• Natural rest days
• Hormonal cycles
• Energy demands
• Environmental factors

It takes around 24–26 hours for a hen to produce an egg, so daily laying is biologically demanding and cannot continue endlessly.

Do Chickens Lay Eggs All Year Round?

Seasonal Egg Laying

In the UK, most hens slow down or stop laying in autumn and winter due to reduced daylight.

Chickens require approximately:

• 14–16 hours of daylight to maintain consistent laying

As days shorten, their bodies prioritise maintenance over egg production.

Winter Laying

Some hens may continue laying in winter if:

• They are young
• They belong to high-laying breeds
• They receive supplementary lighting (used cautiously and ethically)

Many backyard keepers allow their hens to rest naturally over winter, which supports long-term health.

How Does Moulting Affect Egg Laying?

Moulting is the annual process where chickens shed old feathers and grow new ones.

During a moult:

• Egg laying usually slows dramatically or stops completely
• Energy is diverted to feather growth
• The process can last 6–12 weeks

This most often occurs in late summer or autumn and is completely normal.

Do Different Breeds Lay Different Numbers of Eggs?

Yes. Breed makes a significant difference.

High egg-laying breeds:

• Hybrids (such as ISA Brown or Lohmann Brown): 280–320 eggs per year
• Leghorns: up to 300 white eggs per year

Moderate layers:

• Plymouth Rock
• Sussex
• Rhode Island Red

Lower but steady layers:

• Orpington
• Wyandotte
• Australorp

Ornamental or rare breeds:

• Silkies
• Polish
• Cochins

These breeds may lay fewer eggs but are often kept for temperament or appearance.

Factors That Affect How Often Chickens Lay Eggs

Diet

Hens need a nutritionally complete diet to lay regularly.

Key requirements include:

• Layers pellets or mash with adequate protein
• Calcium for strong shells
• Access to grit and fresh water

Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of reduced laying.

Water

Eggs are around 70% water. Even brief dehydration can stop egg production.

Always provide:

• Clean, fresh water
• Containers that don’t easily tip over
• Ice-free water in winter

Stress

Stress can significantly reduce laying.

Common stressors include:

• Predator scares
• Changes in routine
• Introducing new birds
• Overcrowding
• Illness or parasites

Health

Illness, internal worms, and external parasites like mites can all affect laying frequency.

Regular health checks and good hygiene help maintain production.

Do Chickens Lay Eggs Without a Cockerel?

Yes. Chickens lay eggs regardless of whether a cockerel is present.

• Eggs laid without a cockerel are unfertilised
• Fertilised eggs will only develop into chicks if incubated

For egg production alone, a cockerel is not necessary.

Can You Increase How Often Chickens Lay Eggs?

You can support healthy laying, but you cannot force it without risking welfare.

Best practices include:

• Providing a balanced diet
• Ensuring adequate daylight naturally
• Keeping stress low
• Allowing rest during moulting and winter

Artificial lighting can increase egg numbers, but it may shorten a hen’s overall productive lifespan if overused.

When Should You Be Concerned About Egg Production?

A sudden drop in laying may be normal, but investigate if you notice:

• Weight loss
• Pale combs
• Behaviour changes
• Soft or shell-less eggs
• Prolonged cessation outside of winter or moult

Consult a poultry vet if concerns persist.

Summary: What Owners Should Expect

• Most hens lay 4–6 eggs per week at peak
• Laying begins at 18–24 weeks old
• Egg production declines with age
• Seasonal breaks are normal and healthy
• Diet, light, stress, and health all play a role

Conclusion

Chickens are not egg-laying machines. They are living animals with natural cycles. Understanding how often chickens lay eggs helps owners set realistic expectations and provide better care. With good nutrition, a calm environment, and respect for seasonal rest, your hens will reward you with a steady supply of eggs and many years of healthy companionship.