Mary Allen
Introduction: Why do hens lay eggs every day?
Eggs are a staple food in many households, and they are primarily sourced from chickens. Hens are known to lay eggs almost every day, and this raises the question of why they do so. Egg-laying is a natural process that occurs in a hen’s body, and it is influenced by various factors such as nutrition, light, and hormones. Understanding how egg production works in hens can help us appreciate these birds’ role in our food supply chain.
Anatomy of a hen: Understanding egg production
A hen’s reproductive system is composed of the ovary, oviduct, and vent. The ovary is responsible for producing the yolk, while the oviduct is where the egg white, shell, and membrane are formed. Once the egg is fully formed, it is laid through the vent. Hens are born with all the eggs they will ever lay, and their production declines as they age.
Hens typically start laying eggs when they are around six months old, with peak production occurring between eight and ten months. The frequency of egg-laying varies based on the breed, with some hens laying up to 300 eggs annually.