How Many Eggs Will My Hens Lay?
One of the first questions every new flock owner asks is: how many eggs will I actually get? The honest answer is: it depends. But with the right breed and setup, you can get pretty close to a reliable number. Here's how to think about it.
Egg Production by Breed
Not all hens lay the same. Breed is the single biggest factor in how many eggs you can expect per year.
- Golden Comet — 250–320 eggs/year (our breed — one of the highest-producing laying hens available)
- Rhode Island Red — 200–280 eggs/year
- Leghorn — 250–300 eggs/year (flighty temperament)
- Plymouth Rock — 180–220 eggs/year
- Australorp — 200–250 eggs/year
- Silkie — 80–120 eggs/year (ornamental breed)
If consistent egg production is your goal, hybrid layers like the Golden Comet are hard to beat.
The Egg Math: How Many Hens Do You Need?
At peak production, a Golden Comet hen lays roughly 5–6 eggs per week. Here's how that translates to real numbers:
- 1 dozen eggs/week — 2–3 hens
- 2 dozen eggs/week — 4–5 hens
- 1 dozen eggs/day — 14–16 hens
- Small farm stand (30+ dozen/week) — 60–70+ hens
We recommend adding a 10–15% buffer to account for molting, seasonal slowdowns, and the occasional off day.
What Affects Egg Production?
1. Age
Hens lay best in their first and second year. Production peaks around 12–18 months and gradually declines after that. By year 3–4, most hens are laying at 50–60% of their peak rate. This is why many commercial and small farm operations refresh their flocks every 2–3 years.
2. Daylight Hours
Egg production is directly tied to light. Hens need 14–16 hours of light per day to maintain peak laying. In winter, shorter days naturally trigger a slowdown or full stop in production. You can supplement with artificial light in the coop (a simple timer and LED bulb works fine) to maintain production year-round, though some flock owners prefer to let hens follow natural cycles.
3. Feed Quality
Hens on a quality layer feed with adequate protein (15–17%) and calcium (3–4%) will consistently outperform hens on a poor diet. Overfeeding scratch grains and treats is one of the most common causes of reduced egg production in backyard flocks. Layer feed should always be the foundation — treats stay under 10% of daily intake.
4. Stress
Predator pressure, flock changes, extreme heat or cold, and illness all reduce laying. A calm, consistent environment keeps production steady.
5. Molting
Once a year — typically in fall — hens shed and regrow their feathers. During a molt, egg production drops significantly or stops entirely for 8–16 weeks. This is normal and temporary. See our guide: Molting: What It Is and How to Support Your Flock →
Realistic Expectations by Season
- Spring & Summer — Peak production. Long days, warm temps, active foraging. Expect 5–6 eggs/hen/week.
- Fall — Production begins to taper as days shorten. Molting may begin.
- Winter — Lowest production without supplemental light. Expect 2–3 eggs/hen/week or less depending on your setup.
Ready to Build Your Flock?
Our Golden Comet pullets are at point-of-lay when you pick them up — no waiting 18+ weeks for your first egg. Spring availability is limited, so reserve your birds early.