You typically need about 3 to 5 hens to produce a dozen eggs per week, depending on the breed and their laying frequency.
Want fresh eggs but unsure how many hens you need? This guide breaks down the exact flock size required to get 12 eggs weekly. Learn breed selection, coop requirements, and expert tips for consistent egg production.
Chickens Needed for 12 Eggs Weekly
You’ll need 6-7 hens to reliably produce a dozen eggs per week. This accounts for natural variations in laying patterns, seasonal changes, and breed differences. Here’s the math:
- Average hen lays 5-6 eggs weekly in peak season
- Egg production drops 20% in winter months
- Older hens (2+ years) lay 15-20% fewer eggs
For year-round production, we recommend starting with 7 hens. This buffer ensures you’ll still get your dozen eggs during molting periods or cold snaps. Winter-laying breeds can help maintain production when daylight decreases.
Egg Production Variables
Breed Differences
| Breed | Eggs/Year | Weekly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Leghorn | 280-320 | 5-6 |
| Rhode Island Red | 250-300 | 4-5 |
| Plymouth Rock | 200-280 | 3-5 |
| Orpington | 180-240 | 3-4 |
According to Purina Mills, hybrid breeds like Golden Comets often out-produce purebreds by 20-30%.
Age Impact
- Pullets begin laying at 18-24 weeks
- Peak production occurs at 1-2 years
- Annual decline of 15-20% after year 2
Coop Requirements
For your 7-hen flock:
- Coop Space: 28 sq ft minimum (4 sq ft/hen)
- Run Space: 70 sq ft minimum (10 sq ft/hen)
- Nesting Boxes: 2 boxes (1 per 3-4 hens)
Proper housing reduces stress and maintains laying consistency. Introducing chickens to new coops requires careful planning to avoid production drops.
Maximizing Egg Production
Nutrition
Layer feed should contain:
- 16-18% protein
- 3-4% calcium
- 0.5% phosphorus
Light Management
Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily for consistent laying. Supplement natural light with:
- 40-watt bulb per 100 sq ft
- Automatic timer set for dawn/dusk extension
Stress Reduction
Common stressors that reduce laying:
- Predator threats
- Extreme temperatures
- Overcrowding
- Frequent disturbances
The University of Kentucky Poultry Department recommends gradual light changes to avoid production shocks.
Seasonal Adjustments
Expected weekly production from 7 hens:
- Spring: 18-21 eggs
- Summer: 21-28 eggs
- Fall: 14-21 eggs
- Winter: 7-14 eggs
For consistent winter production, consider adding 2-3 extra hens or implementing light supplementation. Some keepers maintain two flocks – one for summer production and winter-hardy breeds for cold months.