How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 16 July 2020

I go on working for the same reason that a hen goes on laying eggs.

H.L. Mencken

Eggs are just one of the amazing perks of chicken keeping - along with amazing companionship, natural pest control, a brilliant family pet...we could go on…

So, if you’re a fan of fresh eggs, you’re probably wondering how many you should egg-spect from your feathered friends! Well, the answer is...there is no single answer!

The number of eggs chickens lay, and how often, depend on the breed of chicken your keeping. Some chickens will lay everyday, most days of the year, others might only lay 1 or 2 eggs a week - and have a break during the winter time.

Here’s some egg-samples of how many eggs are laid by different chicken breeds:

1. Best Egg-laying Breeds

  • Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Red Chicken laying eggs

Rhode Island Reds are the most well rounded chicken of all the backyard flocks! Chances are if you don’t know which chicken is best for your environment a Rhode Island Red will do just perfectly! These chickens lay egg-streamly well, they are highly valued for their meat, they are cold hardy and generally hardy in every other sense.

How many eggs do Rhode Island Reds lay? 250-300 eggs each year, so around 6 eggs per week.

  • Plymouth Rocks

Plymouth Rock Chicken Lay eggs

The Plymouth Rock is one of the best all-rounder chickens you’re likely to find. Its a prolific egg-layer, it’s great as a table bird, and it’s a fantastic backyard chicken for families.

How many eggs do they lay? Over 200 eggs each year, so around 4-5 per week.

2. Chicken breeds that lay the tastiest eggs:

  • Silkies

Silkie Chicken laying eggs

With their pretty and profuse plumage, love of a snuggle, and their super sweet nature; Silkies are one of our favourite breeds- what’s not to love?

How many eggs do they lay? 250 eggs each year, so around 3 eggs per week.

  • Japanese Bantam

Japanese Bantam Chicken lay eggs

The Japanese Bantam, also known in many parts of the world as Chabo, is a breed of chicken originating in Japan. They are a true bantam breed, with large upright tails that often reach over the chicken’s head.

How many eggs do Japanese Bantams lay? 50-100 eggs each year, so around 1-2 eggs per week.

Once your chosen the best breeds for your flock, you can look forward to a fresh supply of tasty eggs. Nothing beats having home-laid eggs in the house for delicious meals and baking treats. However, in order to get a frequent, fresh supply of eggs, keepers need to look after the chickens that lay them. There can be multiple issues that are stopping your ladies from laying which is stressful for them and for you!

Don’t worry though – the eggsperts at Chickenpedia have cracked it! They have created the Eggs in Your Basket course to help you, help your ladies lay successfully. Discover crucial information to keep your chickens happy, healthy, and frequent layers. All your egg questions will be answered in this extensive course.

From double yolkers, to soft shells, no eggs, to odd eggs, Chickenpedia cover it all! Check out their great beginner-friendly courses today. 

For more information on who lays what, check out our The Best Egg Laying breeds article - if fresh eggs are on your mind, these breeds are perfect for your backyard flock!

Sources and further reading