Chicken Egg Laying Estimator
How many eggs will your flock actually lay? Pick your breed — production varies enormously — enter your hen count, and get estimated eggs per week, per year, and in dozens, based on typical first-year laying rates.
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How to use this calculator
Select the breed closest to yours and enter how many laying hens you have. The estimate uses typical first-year production per hen — the most productive year of a hen's life.
Expect 10–20% less each following year, plus a winter slowdown when daylight drops under ~14 hours.
How it works
Eggs per year = hens × breed's typical annual rate. Per week = yearly ÷ 52. Dozens = yearly ÷ 12. Breed rates used: Leghorn 280, Rhode Island Red 260, Australorp 250, Sussex/Plymouth Rock/Easter Egger 240, Orpington/Wyandotte 220, Brahma 180, Silkie 120.
These are healthy-flock averages on proper layer feed. Stress, molt, broodiness, and short days all pull real numbers below the estimate.
Frequently asked questions
When do hens start laying eggs?
Most breeds start at 18-24 weeks old. High-production layers like Leghorns start earliest; heavy heritage breeds can take 28 weeks.
Why do chickens stop laying in winter?
Shorter daylight triggers a natural slowdown, and many hens molt in fall. About 14-16 hours of light keeps production steadier, with or without supplemental lighting.
How many years will a hen lay well?
Peak production is the first 1-2 laying years, then output drops roughly 10-20% per year. Many backyard hens still lay respectably at 4-5 years old.
Does feed affect egg production?
Yes — layers need about 16% protein layer feed plus free-choice calcium (oyster shell) for strong shells. Treats and scratch should stay under 10% of the diet.
How many hens do I need for a dozen eggs a week?
Two good layers in their prime will cover a dozen a week most of the year. Four to six hens comfortably supply a family with surplus for neighbors.