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Home » Questions » Does a Hen Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs?

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Does a Hen Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs?


Keeping chickens for eggs and as pets is popular in both rural and in urban areas. I have kept chickens and geese as pets for 17 years and never tire of watching them root around the yard. I didn't start out as a chicken lover. I was strictly a dog and cat person. I didn't want chickens.
My husband convinced me to "get a few chickens" all those years ago, and I am so thankful he did. Who knew that chickens make such great pets? They are entertaining, personable, and even trainable. And they lay eggs regularly. Even if you do not like eggs, friends, neighbors and people you haven't met yet do.

If you are considering chicken keeping, here are a few of the basics related to egg-laying biology of chickens and geese. I have been asked many times if hens will lay eggs without a rooster around. Do they? How often do they lay eggs? This FAQ addresses these questions and looks at some other interesting chicken egg facts.

Does a Hen Need a Rooster to Lay Eggs?

This is the most-asked question by people curious about chickens. Most people are quite relieved to learn that the answer is "no"-- the hen (female) lays eggs with or without a rooster (male) present.

What Happens When a Rooster is Present?

Hens lay eggs on the same schedule as without a rooster present.
If the rooster is allowed to mingle with the hens, there is a high likelihood that the eggs will be fertilized. This could result in chicks if the eggs are allowed to incubate (either in the nest under the hen or in an egg incubator).

Collecting the Eggs

Eggs should be picked up daily and refrigerated immediately for proper food handling. Additional safe egg handling resources below.

At What Age Does A Hen Start to Lay Eggs?

The age at when they start laying varies somewhat with the individual bird, the breed of chicken, and the time of year (sooner for spring chicks, later for winter chicks), but most start to lay eggs around 6 months of age.
The first eggs may be misshapen or soft or even have a small amount of blood on the outside shell.
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