Chicken Laying Habits: How Often Do They Lay?

A hen will typically lay one egg per day, although this can vary depending on several factors. The process of forming an egg takes 24 to 26 hours, and the hen will need more than a full day to produce and lay an egg. This means that a hen will lay an egg later and later into each day until eventually, she will skip a day before laying another egg.

A hen's egg-laying cycle

The egg-laying cycle continues for around 50 to 60 weeks, after which the hen will take a rest period called a molt. During this time, the hen will stop laying eggs. Some hens may lay for longer, but they will naturally slow down in the fall and winter unless given supplemental light for a consistent 14 to 16 hours of light per day.

In their first year, high-producing, well-fed backyard chickens can lay up to 250 eggs. After this first year, egg counts will naturally decrease each following year. In their second year, hens will lay around 80% of the number of eggs they did in their first year. In their third year, this will drop to around 70% of the first year's production, and in the fourth year, they will produce around 60% of their first year's eggs.

Overall, 80 to 90% is considered excellent egg production, but breed, housing, weather, management, parasite load, and nutrition can all affect the rate of lay. For example, inadequate nutrition can cause hens to stop laying, and a lack of calcium can lead to soft or brittle eggshells.

Factors influencing egg-laying frequency

A hen can lay up to one egg per day during her peak laying period, which occurs around 30 weeks into her first year. However, several factors influence this frequency, and not all hens will lay an egg every day.

Breed

The breed of chicken can impact egg-laying frequency, with White Leghorn hybrids, Plymouth Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Ameraucanas/Easter Eggers being known for their excellent egg production. Chickens that lay white or brown eggs are typically the top performers, while those that lay coloured eggs tend to lay less frequently, as they have been genetically selected for egg colour rather than high production.

Age

Age is a significant factor in egg-laying frequency. A hen will typically lay her first egg around 18 weeks of age and then produce eggs almost daily thereafter. During their first year, high-producing, well-fed hens can lay up to 250 eggs. However, egg production will naturally decrease each following year, with hens entering "retirement" around years six or seven.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining high egg production in hens. A balanced diet that includes high protein and calcium levels is crucial for shell production. Inadequate nutrition, including low energy, protein, or calcium levels, can cause a decrease in egg-laying frequency. Additionally, vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, and sodium is important for reproductive performance.

Daylight

Daylight is a key factor in stimulating the reproductive cycle of hens, with longer exposure to sunlight leading to increased egg production. Therefore, hens typically produce more eggs during the spring and summer months. Commercial farmers often use artificial lighting during the winter to increase egg production.

Health and Environment

The health and environment of the hens can also impact egg-laying frequency. Diseases such as fowl pox, coccidiosis, and infectious bronchitis can decrease egg production and impact the health of the entire flock. Additionally, stressors such as loud noises, predator exposure, or overcrowding can negatively affect egg-laying frequency. Providing a clean, comfortable, and predator-free habitat ensures increased egg production and the overall well-being of the flock.

Optimal nutrition for egg-laying hens

A hen will lay an egg almost daily, but only if it is well-fed and healthy. Optimal nutrition for egg-laying hens is essential to ensure strong eggshells and maintain egg production.

The diet of a hen should be adjusted as it matures from a chick to a pullet and eventually to a laying hen. Newly hatched chicks should be fed a starter diet containing 18-20% protein to support their rapid growth. Meat-bird starter feed is not recommended for young layer-type chickens as it is generally higher in protein, which is unnecessary for egg-laying chickens. From around six weeks of age, growers or developer feed is introduced, which contains slightly lower protein levels of 15-16%.

As hens mature, they require different nutrients to support egg production. Layer feeds are formulated for chickens laying table eggs, and they should be introduced when hens start laying eggs, usually around 18-20 weeks of age. These feeds are designed to provide the specific nutrients required for egg-laying, including calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Calcium is particularly important for eggshell formation, with each eggshell requiring about 4 grams of calcium, 2 grams of which must come from the hen's diet. A deficiency in calcium can lead to soft or brittle eggshells, and in extreme cases, hens may pull calcium from their bones, weakening their skeletal structure. Oyster shell supplements are often recommended to ensure adequate calcium intake.

In addition to calcium, layer feeds typically contain around 14-16% protein to ensure continued egg production. Carbohydrates, fats, fibre, and other vitamins and minerals are also essential components of a hen's diet. While table scraps and scratch grains can be given as treats, excessive amounts can negatively impact egg production. Strong-tasting foods, such as onions, should be avoided as they may affect the flavour of the eggs.

To maintain optimal nutrition, it is crucial to monitor the quality of eggshells and adjust the diet accordingly. High-producing laying hens may require additional calcium or other supplements to maintain strong eggshells and overall health. With proper nutrition and care, high-producing, well-fed backyard hens can lay up to 250 eggs per year. However, egg production will naturally decrease each year, with hens typically entering egg retirement around six to seven years of age.

The egg-laying process

Ovulation marks the beginning of the egg-laying process, where the yolk is released from the hen's ovary. The yolk then travels through the oviduct, where it gains layers of egg white and membranes. This process takes around 10 days.

The egg then enters the shell gland, where it spends about 20 hours. During the last 5 hours of this stage, the shell is formed and coloured. The shell formation takes the most amount of time to complete, requiring about 4 grams of calcium per shell, 2 grams of which must come from the hen's diet. A solid shell, along with a protective coating called the "bloom" or "cuticle," helps defend the egg against bacteria.

After the shell is formed, the egg travels to the cloaca, where it is pushed out of the hen's body, pointy end down. The egg flips so that the rounded end is downward, ensuring a soft landing in the nest.

The frequency of egg-laying in hens can vary due to several factors, including breed, housing, weather, nutrition, parasites, and disease. Most hens will naturally slow down during the fall and winter, and egg production may be affected by very hot days. Well-fed, high-producing hens can lay up to 250 eggs in their first year, with egg counts decreasing naturally each following year.

The lifespan of a laying hen

The lifespan of a hen depends on several factors, including care, hereditary traits, and nutrition. According to Montana State University Extension, there is no precise answer to how long a laying hen will live. However, on average, a hen's lifespan is between 8 and 10 years, with some living up to 16 years.

Hens typically start laying eggs around 18 weeks of age and reach peak production at about 30 weeks. During their first year, high-producing and well-nourished hens can lay up to 250 eggs. This number decreases naturally each following year, with a significant drop in production around the sixth or seventh year. By the third year, egg production is estimated to be just under 70% of the first year's yield, and by the fourth year, it drops to around 60%.

The level of egg production, egg size, and shell quality all decrease annually. The hen's ovulation is stimulated by the length of daylight, with maximum egg production occurring during the summer when there are 16 hours of daylight. To maintain production during shorter days, artificial lighting can be used to provide 14 to 16 hours of light.

While a hen's lifespan may extend beyond its productive years, the quality and quantity of eggs will diminish over time. Proper care, nutrition, and parasite management are crucial factors in ensuring the longevity and productivity of a laying hen.

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