Egg Production
How many hens do I need for my family?
The number of hens you need depends on how many eggs your family uses, but a good average is that 10 laying hens may produce about 7 eggs per day.
A good average for egg production
On average, 10 hens that are between 8 months and 2 years old should lay about 7 eggs per day.
Most egg-laying breeds will provide between 200–300 eggs per year on average.
10 Hens
About 10 healthy laying hens may produce around 7 eggs per day.
Best Laying Age
Hens between 8 months and 2 years old are usually in a strong laying stage.
Yearly Egg Average
Most egg layers provide about 200–300 eggs per year on average.
Quick egg estimate
| Number of Hens | Estimated Eggs Per Day |
|---|---|
| 5 hens | About 3–4 eggs per day |
| 10 hens | About 7 eggs per day |
| 15 hens | About 10–11 eggs per day |
Keep molting in mind
Hens will go through a molt each year, usually during late summer or early fall.
During this time, they will stop laying eggs while they grow new feathers.
Planning for your family
If your family uses a lot of eggs, you may want a few extra hens to help cover lower production times, seasonal changes, or molting.
Egg production can vary by breed, age, daylight, feed, weather, and overall hen health.
A good starting point for many families is around 10 laying hens, which can average about 7 eggs per day during strong laying periods.