Egg Production Estimator

Calculate your flock's annual egg yield, cost per egg, and compare to store prices. Adjust for breed, hen age, and seasonal changes.

Enter Your Flock Details

5-8 months = ramp up, 8-18 peak, 18-36 gradual decline, 36+ steep decline

Your Egg Production Results

Eggs Per Year
Eggs Per Week
Feed Cost Per Year
Cost Per Egg
Store Equivalent Cost
Annual Savings

How It Works

Egg production varies significantly based on the hen's breed, age, and the season. This calculator uses standard production rates and adjusts them based on these factors.

Production Rates by Age

Hen egg production follows a predictable pattern as they age:

  • 5-6 months: 20% of peak production (hens just starting to lay)
  • 6-8 months: 60% of peak production (ramping up)
  • 8-18 months: 100% of peak production (prime laying years)
  • 18-24 months: 90% of peak production (slight decline begins)
  • 24-36 months: 75% of peak production (noticeable decline)
  • 36+ months: 50% of peak production (significant decline, but still laying)

Seasonal Variation

Egg production is influenced by daylight hours. Hens need 14-16 hours of light to maintain peak production:

  • Spring: 100% production (increasing daylight)
  • Summer: 95% production (peak heat can reduce laying)
  • Fall: 85% production (decreasing daylight)
  • Winter: 70% production (shortest daylight hours)
Eggs per hen per year = Base breed rate × Age multiplier × Season multiplier Age multipliers: 5-6 months: 0.20 6-8 months: 0.60 8-18 months: 1.00 18-24 months: 0.90 24-36 months: 0.75 36+ months: 0.50 Season multipliers: Spring: 1.00 Summer: 0.95 Fall: 0.85 Winter: 0.70 Total annual eggs = Eggs per hen per year × Number of hens Feed cost per year = (hens × feed per day × 365 / 50) × feed cost per bag Cost per egg = Feed cost per year / Total annual eggs Store equivalent = (Annual eggs / 12) × Store price per dozen Annual savings = Store equivalent - Feed cost per year

Breed Egg Colors

Different breeds lay different colored eggs. This doesn't affect nutrition or taste, but can be fun for variety:

  • White Leghorn: White eggs
  • Rhode Island Red: Brown eggs
  • Plymouth Rock: Brown eggs
  • Orpington: Light brown / tinted eggs
  • Easter Egger: Blue, green, or olive eggs
  • Australorp: Brown eggs
  • Wyandotte: Brown eggs
  • Sussex: Light brown / tinted eggs