Four chickens can lay approximately 28 eggs per week, assuming each hen lays an average of 5-6 eggs weekly.
Raising chickens for eggs is rewarding but requires planning. A common question is how many eggs 4 chickens will produce. The short answer: 4 healthy hens typically lay 20 eggs per week (5 each) during peak season. But many factors affect egg production.
Average Egg Production Per Chicken
Most laying hens produce:
- 4-6 eggs per week in summer (200-300 annually)
- 3-4 eggs per week in winter (150-200 annually)
- 20% fewer eggs each subsequent year
Using these averages, 4 chickens would lay:
| Season | Eggs Per Week | Eggs Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 16-24 | 64-96 |
| Winter | 12-16 | 48-64 |
Factors Affecting Egg Production
1. Breed Differences
Some breeds are prolific layers while others focus on meat. Top egg layers include:
- Leghorns (280-320 eggs/year)
- Rhode Island Reds (250-300 eggs/year)
- Plymouth Rocks (200-280 eggs/year)
2. Age of Hens
Peak production occurs between 6-18 months. After 2 years, egg production declines significantly. Learn about chicken lifespans.
3. Daylight Hours
Chickens need 14-16 hours of light for maximum production. Many owners add coop lighting in winter.
4. Nutrition
Layer feed with 16-18% protein and calcium supplements are essential. Grit helps digestion.
5. Stress Factors
Predators, extreme weather, overcrowding, and illness reduce egg production. Prevent pecking issues.
Calculating Your Egg Needs
To determine how many chickens you need:
- Track your weekly egg consumption
- Add 25% for sharing/baking
- Divide by 5 (eggs per hen weekly)
Example: A family using 2 dozen eggs weekly would need 5-6 hens (24 ÷ 5 = 4.8).
Maximizing Egg Production
Coop Management
Provide:
- 4 sq ft per chicken in coop
- 8 sq ft in run
- 1 nesting box per 4 hens
Health Maintenance
Regularly:
- Check for parasites
- Vaccinate when needed
- Provide fresh water daily
According to Purina Mills, proper nutrition can increase egg production by 20%.
Seasonal Variations
Egg production naturally declines in winter due to:
- Shorter daylight hours
- Colder temperatures
- Molting season
The University of Minnesota Extension notes that some breeds like Australorps lay better in cold weather.
Troubleshooting Low Production
If your 4 chickens aren’t laying 20 eggs weekly:
- Check for broodiness
- Evaluate feed quality
- Monitor for predators
- Assess coop conditions
- Consider age of hens
With proper care, 4 chickens can reliably provide eggs for a small family while teaching sustainable food practices.