How Many Eggs Do Chickens Lay?
A good hybrid hen lays about 5–6 eggs a week at peak. Heritage breeds lay half that. Here is the full picture, including why winter shuts production down.
Eggs per week by breed type
| Breed type | Eggs/week | Eggs/year | Egg colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid layer (ISA Brown, sex-link) | 5–6 | 280–320 | Brown |
| Leghorn | 5–6 | 280–300 | White |
| Australorp | 4–5 | 250–300 | Brown |
| Orpington | 3–4 | 180–200 | Light brown |
| Wyandotte | 4 | 200 | Brown |
| Araucana / Easter Egger | 3–4 | 180–200 | Blue/green |
| Silkie | 2–3 | 100–120 | Cream |
| Bantam | 2–4 | 100–150 | Small, various |
The 25-hour cycle
A hen does not lay at the same time every day. Each egg takes roughly 25 hours to form, so she lays slightly later each day. After about 6 days she runs past mid-afternoon, skips a day, and starts again in the morning. That is why 6 eggs a week is the practical maximum, not 7.
How production changes with age
| Year | Share of peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 100% | Smaller eggs at first, then full size |
| Year 2 | 80–85% | Larger eggs, more winter pause |
| Year 3 | 65–70% | Longer moult |
| Year 4+ | 40% or less | A few eggs in spring, or none |
Why laying stops in winter
Hens need about 14 hours of daylight to keep laying. Below that, the pineal gland reduces hormone production and the reproductive system shuts down. It is not the cold — it is the light.
Options:
- Accept it. A natural pause is healthier for the hen and gives you a rest too.
- Add light. A timer bringing total daylight to 14 hours. Use a low-wattage bulb and add light in the morning rather than the evening, so they roost naturally.
- Keep mixed ages. Pullets coming into lay in their first autumn will produce through winter.
Other reasons for no eggs
- Moulting — 6–10 weeks off. Feathers are protein; she diverts everything into regrowth.
- Broodiness — a hen sitting on a nest stops for about 3 weeks.
- Hidden nest — check under sheds and in hedges. A secret clutch can reach 15+ eggs.
- Age — see the table above.
- Protein too low — too many scraps dilute a 16–18% layer feed.
- Stress — a new coop, a predator visit, or overcrowding.
- Heat — production drops above 30°C.
Common questions
How many eggs does a chicken lay a day?
At most one. The cycle takes about 25 hours, so a hen lays roughly 5-6 eggs in a good week rather than 7.
Why did my chickens stop laying in winter?
Daylight below about 14 hours shuts down the reproductive cycle. It is light, not temperature. Adding morning light restores production.
How long do chickens lay eggs?
Peak production is the first 1-2 years. Hens keep laying at a declining rate for 4-6 years, with hybrids burning out faster than heritage breeds.
Do you need a rooster for eggs?
No. Hens lay without one; a rooster only affects fertility.
Complete first-year guide with feeding amounts and winter care: Backyard Chickens for Beginners.
Disclosure: the link above is an affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you.