Hit 12 eggs a day from my 15 hens, is that normal or am I doing something wrong?

I keep reading that backyard layers average about 10 eggs daily from 15 birds, but I've been getting 12 for the last two weeks straight. Part of me thinks I'm just lucky with feed, but the other part wonders if I'm overfeeding and messing up their natural cycle. Anyone else hit a number that felt off from the usual?

1 comments

1 Comment

emmajackson7d ago

You say you're getting 12 eggs from 15 hens and think that's somehow off, but honestly that sounds about right for healthy birds in good condition. I've kept chickens for years and found that when they're fed a balanced layer feed with plenty of protein and calcium, they'll often hit 80-90% production. 12 out of 15 is basically 80%, which is perfectly normal for a young, well-cared for flock. The real question is whether you're counting carefully. Some folks accidentally count the same egg twice if they don't mark them or if the hens lay in different spots. Also, if you've got a mixed age group, the younger ones might just be hitting their peak. I'd say enjoy it while it lasts because production usually drops off after a few months.