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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-production-drops

What happens to a hen's egg numbers as she gets older?

They go down each year; the peak is in the first two years.

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  1. They go up every year
  2. They go down each year ✔
  3. They stay exactly the same

Why: NC State Extension says egg numbers decline every year. Minnesota Extension says peak production is in a hen's first two years, though she may keep laying for 5 to 10 years.

Huh, didn't know that: Cornell says Leghorns lay large numbers of eggs for one or two years but are not as hardy long term.

The dad joke
Why did the older hen slow down? She decided to work part-time on the nest.
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References

Answer: They go down each year. NC State Extension says egg numbers decline every year. Minnesota Extension says peak production is in a hen's first two years, though she may keep laying for 5 to 10 years.

  1. NC State Extension: Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina content.ces.ncsu.edu/keeping-garden-chickens-in-north-carolina
    The number of eggs produced by each hen then declines yearly.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NC State Extension: Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina content.ces.ncsu.edu/keeping-garden-chickens-in-north-carolina
    Those same hens will produce about two eggs every four days, or up to 12 dozen eggs in year two.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. University of Minnesota Extension: Raising chickens for eggs extension.umn.edu/small-scale-poultry/raising-chickens-eggs
    can continue for five to 10 years, with peak production occurring in the first two years.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  4. Cornell Cooperative Extension Warren County: Backyard Chickens warren.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/backyard-chickens
    bred to produce large numbers of eggs for one or two years, but are not as hardy long term
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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