Eggs & Laying
Everything backyard chicken keepers need to know about eggs: when hens start laying, how many to expect, troubleshooting laying problems, egg colors, storage, washing, and incubation.
When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
Most hens start laying between 18 and 22 weeks. Learn the signs of point of lay, how timing varies by breed, and how to prepare your pullets for the first egg.
Read guide →How Many Eggs Do Chickens Lay?
A productive hen lays one egg a day and 250 to 300 a year at peak. See output by breed, what affects production, and how long hens keep laying.
Read guide →Why Did My Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Short daylight, molt, age, and stress are the usual culprits. Work through the common causes step by step and learn how to get your hens laying again.
Read guide →Chicken Egg Colors by Breed
Shell color is genetic and set by breed. See which chickens lay white, brown, blue, green, and dark chocolate eggs, and why color never affects taste.
Read guide →Collecting and Storing Fresh Chicken Eggs
Collect daily and store eggs right to keep them fresh for weeks. Learn washing, refrigeration, the float test, and how to freeze a spring surplus.
Read guide →Should You Wash Fresh Chicken Eggs?
Do not wash eggs before storage. Washing removes the protective bloom and shortens shelf life. Learn when and how to clean eggs the safe way.
Read guide →Soft and Thin-Shelled Eggs: Causes and Fixes
Soft, thin, or shell-less eggs almost always mean a calcium shortage. Learn the causes, how to fix shell quality with oyster shell, and when to worry.
Read guide →Weird Chicken Eggs Explained
Tiny yolkless eggs, double yolks, wrinkled shells, and more. Learn what causes the strangest eggs your hens lay and when an oddity actually matters.
Read guide →Do You Need a Rooster for Eggs?
No, hens lay without a rooster. A rooster is only needed for fertile eggs to hatch chicks. Learn fertile vs infertile eggs and whether to keep one.
Read guide →Winter Egg Laying: Keeping Hens Productive
Hens slow down in winter because of short daylight. Learn how light, water, and breed affect cold-season laying, and whether to add coop light.
Read guide →Candling Eggs: A Simple How-To Guide
Candling shines a bright light through an egg to see inside. Learn when to candle incubating eggs, how to read development, and how to spot a clear egg.
Read guide →Blood Spots in Eggs: Causes and Safety
Blood spots in eggs are harmless and safe to eat. Learn what causes them, how they differ from meat spots, and why they are not a sign of fertility.
Read guide →Egg & Laying Essentials
- Layer Feed Pellets - Complete 16% protein ration to support steady laying
- Oyster Shell Calcium - Free-choice calcium for strong, firm eggshells
- Metal Nesting Boxes - Roll-out boxes that keep eggs clean and intact
- Egg Candler Tester - Check development in incubating eggs or quality in eating eggs
Backyard Chicken Keepers Planner
10 printable worksheets to track your flock's health, eggs, feed, and coop care.
Get the Planner for $39