How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs? Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering adding chickens or already enjoying their delicious eggs? It is one of the very first things that new chicken keepers ask; How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs? The average lifespan of an egg-laying chicken, like all living things, can be significantly be influenced by genetics, environment, and even luck, so it’s worth knowing how long this will be for your birds as you plan your flock, feeding schedule, and general expectations.

So, let’s crack open the facts—How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs, what affects their productivity, and how you can help your hens stay happy and healthy for years to come.

When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?

Most hens begin laying eggs between 18 to 24 weeks of age (about 4 to 6 months old). This is when they reach sexual maturity and start their egg-laying cycle. From that point, a healthy hen can lay an egg roughly every 24 to 26 hours during her peak production phase.

Want to learn how to support your flock from day one? Check out How to Care for Chickens: A Beginner’s Guide to Healthy Chickens.

How Long Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

On average, hens lay eggs consistently for about 3 to 4 years. However, with good care, some hens can continue laying for up to 5 to 7 years or even longer, though the number of eggs they produce will decline over time.

• Peak egg production usually occurs during the first 1 to 2 years of laying. During this time, a high-producing hen can lay up to 250–300 eggs per year.
• After the first couple of years, egg production gradually decreases. By the third or fourth year, hens may lay only a fraction of their initial egg count.
• Commercial egg farms typically keep hens for only 1 to 2 years before replacing them because their productivity drops significantly after that.
• Backyard hens, on the other hand, are often kept longer for companionship and occasional egg production.

Curious about their overall lifespan? Read How Long Do Chickens Live?

What Causes Egg Production to Decline?

Several factors influence how long and how well hens lay eggs:

• Age: As hens get older, their reproductive systems slow down, leading to fewer eggs and thinner shells.
• Breed: Some breeds, like Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds, are bred for high egg production and lay more eggs over a longer period. Others may lay fewer eggs but live longer.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins is essential to maintain egg production and shell quality.
• Daylight: Hens need about 14–16 hours of light daily to stimulate egg laying. Shorter days in fall and winter naturally reduce egg production unless artificial lighting is used.
• Health and Stress: Illness, parasites, or stressful conditions can cause hens to stop laying temporarily or permanently.

Worried about what they can eat? Learn Can Chickens Eat Grapes? Are They Safe?

Can You Extend a Hen’s Laying Season?

Yes! You can help your hens lay eggs more consistently by managing their environment:

• Provide Supplemental Lighting: Adding warm, artificial light to the coop during shorter days tricks hens into thinking it’s longer daylight, encouraging them to keep laying through fall and winter.
• Maintain Good Nutrition: Feeding hens a quality layer feed with extra calcium supports sustained egg production and strong shells.
• Create Comfortable Nesting Spaces: Cozy, clean nest boxes placed in quiet areas encourage hens to lay regularly.
• Reduce Stress: Keep the coop safe from predators, minimize loud noises, and avoid overcrowding.

For more natural solutions, explore Do Chickens Eat Box Elder Bugs? Using Poultry as Organic Pest Control and What Bugs Do Chickens Eat?

What Happens When Hens Stop Laying?

When hens slow down or stop laying eggs, it’s usually a natural part of aging or molting (shedding and regrowing feathers). This rest period is important for their health. Many backyard chicken keepers keep their hens as pets even after egg production ends, as hens can live 6 to 8 years or more.

If you raise chickens primarily for eggs, you might consider adding younger hens to your flock periodically to maintain a steady supply of fresh eggs.

Wondering more about chicken diets and behavior? Read Do Chickens Eat Bugs? Here’s What You Need to Know

Practical Takeaways for Chicken Keepers

• Expect peak laying during the first 2–3 years.
• Use 14+ hours of light daily to support production.
• Feed a balanced diet with added calcium.
• Keep nesting boxes clean and private.
• Be patient during molting or winter slowdowns.
• Add younger hens regularly to keep eggs coming.

Final Thoughts

Chickens are incredible animals, capable of laying hundreds of eggs in their lifetime—but not forever. Most hens lay well for 3 to 4 years, with a slow decline afterward. By understanding their natural cycle and providing thoughtful care, you can enjoy years of fresh eggs and flock companionship.

Now it’s your turn.
How long have your hens been laying? Do you have any tips for keeping them productive longer?
Share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!