Chicken Egg Production Calculator

Production depends heavily on breed. High-production breeds such as the White Leghorn lay 280 to 320 eggs per year. Common dual-purpose breeds like Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red lay 200 to 280 eggs per year. Heritage breeds such as Orpingtons and Wyandottes typically lay 160 to 200 eggs per year. Hens also stop laying during winter unless supplemental lighting is provided.

A laying hen consumes approximately 110 to 130 g (4 to 4.5 oz) of layer feed per day. Exact consumption depends on body size, ambient temperature, and production level. Larger breeds eat more; bantams eat less. USDA Poultry Science research reports 125 g per day as a practical average for standard laying breeds.

Most laying breeds begin production at 18 to 24 weeks (4.5 to 6 months) of age. Broiler-based breeds and heavy heritage breeds may not lay until 28 to 32 weeks. Commercial Leghorn strains can start at 17 weeks. The first eggs are usually small; egg size increases over the first months of production.

Peak production is typically in the first and second year of lay. By year three, most hens lay 20 to 30% fewer eggs than at peak. Commercial operations typically replace hens after 12 to 18 months of lay. Backyard hens can lay productively for 4 to 7 years, though production declines each year after the second.

Yes. Hens require 14 to 16 hours of light per day to maintain peak production. In winter, shorter days trigger a natural laying reduction. Adding supplemental lighting in the morning to extend the light period to 16 hours can maintain year-round production. Light must increase gradually, as sudden increases can cause stress.