How Do Chickens Make Eggs?
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Hens Lay Eggs For?
The hen breeds used in commercial egg farming start laying eggs at around 16-18 weeks (four months) old. Commercial laying hens continue to produce first quality eggs until they are about one and a half years old.
Do Chickens Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs?
It’s a common misconception that a hen is incapable of laying eggs without a rooster around. There are no roosters on commercial egg farms and hens lay only unfertilised eggs.
How Is an Egg Formed?
A laying hen’s ovary holds thousands of tiny ova, or future egg yolks. Birds are unique among animals because only one ovary (the left) matures to the stage where it releases eggs.
Do Chickens Lay Eggs All Year Round?
Adult hens need about 14 hours of daylight to lay eggs consistently and different lighting programs are used depending on the farming system, geographic location and season. The different farming systems include outdoor enclosures that use natural daylight and enclosed sheds that predominantly use artificial lighting programs.