How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

One of the first questions new chicken keepers ask is, how often do chickens lay eggs? While many breeds are capable of laying an egg almost every day, the actual frequency depends on a number of factors, including breed, age, diet, time of year and the bird’s health. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect from your hens, what can cause laying to stop, and how you can support regular egg production.

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Laying rates vary by breed

Breed is the biggest factor in how often a chicken lays eggs. Some breeds are prolific layers, producing around 300 eggs a year, while others are more occasional.

High-producing breeds include:

• Goldline
• Nera
• White Leghorn
• Light Sussex
• Rhode Island Red
• Marans
• Speckledy
• Amber Star

These breeds have been selectively bred for egg production, especially hybrids like the Goldline or Warren. On the other hand, pure breeds kept for ornamental purposes or dual-purpose birds tend to lay less frequently.

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Age affects egg production

Hens start laying at around 16 to 24 weeks old, depending on the breed. During their first year of laying, most hens are at their most productive. After this, laying gradually declines year on year.

By age three or four, many hens will still lay, but less consistently. Some will stop altogether in later years. Keepers who value both eggs and the companionship of their hens often keep older birds in retirement and bring in a few younger layers to keep the egg supply going.

Note: There is some evidence that breeds bred for high egg yield may have shorter lifespans, as the energy demands of constant laying take a toll on their bodies.

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Egg laying slows in winter

Egg production is tied to daylight hours. Hens need about 14 hours of light per day to maintain regular laying. As a result, most hens lay less often during autumn and winter when days are shorter.

This is a natural rest period for chickens. Commercial farms often use artificial lighting to maintain egg production year-round, but for home keepers, it’s healthier to let hens follow their natural cycle. They’ll often resume laying in early spring as the days get longer.

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Health plays a key role in egg laying

A hen in poor health will not lay regularly. If your hens stop laying suddenly, check for signs of illness or stress. Parasites, respiratory issues, injuries or infections can all reduce or halt egg production.

To keep your flock in good health:

• Provide a clean, secure coop
• Ensure fresh water and quality feed
• Monitor for parasites and lice
• Watch for behavioural changes
• Offer shade in summer and shelter in winter

Egg laying is an energy-intensive process. Hens won’t produce well if they’re unwell, stressed or lacking nutrition.

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A balanced diet is essential

Hens need a high-quality layers feed with the right balance of protein, vitamins and minerals. One of the most important nutrients for egg production is calcium, which is needed to form strong eggshells.

Each eggshell contains the equivalent of around half the calcium stored in the bird’s skeleton. Without adequate calcium, hens may lay thin-shelled or shell-less eggs, or stop laying altogether.

To support laying:

• Use a complete layers pellet
• Offer crushed oyster shell as a calcium supplement
• Provide grit to aid digestion
• Consider adding liquid tonics or vitamin boosters during laying season

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Broody hens stop laying

Broodiness is a natural behaviour where a hen wants to sit on eggs and hatch chicks. Once broody, she’ll stop laying completely and focus on incubating, even if no cockerel or fertilised eggs are present.

A broody hen may sit in the nesting box all day, fluff up her feathers, and make a growling noise when disturbed. This behaviour can last weeks or even months if not addressed.

For tips on managing broodiness, see our article on how to stop hens going broody.

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Moulting also halts egg production

Each year, usually in late summer or early autumn, hens go through a moult, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. Moulting takes a lot of energy, so most hens stop laying during this time.

Egg production will resume once the moult is complete, often in a few weeks, though it can vary between birds.

During a moult:

• Provide extra protein to support feather regrowth
• Reduce stress
• Avoid moving or introducing new birds to the flock

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So… how often do chickens lay eggs?

Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect from a healthy hen:

Breed type	Eggs per year	Laying frequency
Hybrid layers (e.g. Goldline)	280–320	Most days
Productive pure breeds (e.g. Rhode Island Red)	200–260	Every 2–3 days
Ornamental or dual-purpose breeds	100–180	A few eggs a week
Elderly hens or broody/moulting hens	Varies	Often stop temporarily

These numbers assume optimal conditions. Laying will always fluctuate due to age, weather, diet, or health.

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Conclusion

So, how often do chickens lay eggs? It depends on the breed, age, season, and overall care. With good husbandry and the right setup, many hens will provide a steady supply of eggs for several years.

If egg production slows unexpectedly, consider checking for signs of illness, stress, or seasonal change. And remember, even if your girls slow down with age, they’ve earned a peaceful retirement in your coop.