Number of Eggs Produced by a Chicken

Breed Type
Layer Breeds: Specialized for egg production, such as Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, and Isa Brown, can lay 250–320 eggs annually.
Dual-Purpose Breeds: Suitable for eggs and meat, Plymouth Rock and Sussex produce around 180–250 eggs annually.
Meat Breeds: Focused on meat production, like Cornish Cross, lay fewer eggs, typically 50–100 per year.

Age of the Chicken
Chickens start laying eggs at 18–22 weeks (4–5 months).
Peak production occurs between 6 months to 2 years.
After 2–3 years, egg production gradually declines.

Environmental Conditions
Adequate lighting (14–16 hours daily) promotes consistent egg-laying.
Proper temperature (18–24°C) ensures better productivity.
Clean water and a nutritious diet rich in calcium improve egg production.

Nutrition and Feed Quality
High-quality feed containing 16–18% protein boosts egg production.
Calcium supplements, such as limestone or oyster shells, are essential for strong eggshells.

Health and Management
Healthy chickens free from diseases produce more eggs.
Regular vaccinations and parasite control help maintain egg-laying efficiency.

Annual Production Estimates
Commercial Layers: 280–320 eggs per year.
Backyard Layers: 150–250 eggs per year, depending on breed and care.
Broody Hens (those inclined to hatch eggs): Produce fewer eggs as they stop laying during brooding.

Lifespan Impact
Chickens can live for 6–8 years, but their egg production decreases significantly after 3–4 years.

Molting Period
Chickens undergo molting (shedding feathers) once a year, lasting 6–12 weeks, during which egg production temporarily stops.

Free-Range vs. Caged Chickens
Free-range chickens may lay slightly fewer eggs due to increased physical activity.
Caged chickens often have higher productivity because of controlled environments.

Egg Production Cycle
The frequency of egg-laying can range from 4–6 eggs per week in most productive breeds.
Seasonal changes (winter or summer) can impact egg-laying cycles.

Considering these factors, you can expect a healthy chicken layer to produce 250–300 eggs per year under optimal conditions.