Broiler chickens are a popular type of chicken bred specifically for meat production. But an interesting question arises – can broilers also lay eggs, and if so, how many? I did some research to find the answer.
What is a Broiler Chicken?
First let’s clarify what a broiler chicken is. Broilers are chickens (typically a crossbreed) that are bred and raised for the purpose of meat production. They are designed to grow very quickly and put on weight efficiently to produce good quality and quantity of meat.
Some common broiler breeds include:
- Cornish
- Plymouth Rock
- Sussex
Broilers are usually ready for processing around 6-8 weeks old once they reach their ideal slaughter weight. This is well before the age egg-laying maturity.
Do Broilers Lay Eggs at All?
Since broilers are slaughtered so young, many people assume they don’t lay eggs. But broilers are physiologically capable of laying eggs, they just don’t reach reproductive maturity before processing.
If allowed to mature, broiler hens can start laying eggs around 24-26 weeks old, just like any breed of chicken But this almost never happens in commercial operations where they are butchered as young chicks
Expected Egg Production of Broiler Chickens
As mentioned, broilers are not bred for egg production. Their genetics are focused on rapid weight gain and meat qualities rather than high egg output. So even if allowed to mature, they would lay significantly fewer eggs than dedicated egg laying breeds.
On average, a broiler hen might lay 2-4 eggs per week, or about 150-200 eggs annually. For comparison, a prolific laying breed like the Leghorn can lay ~300 eggs per year!
So in the rare case a broiler lives long enough, she will lay eggs, just not a lot.
How Many Eggs Per Day?
Chickens are physically limited to producing one egg per day due to their reproductive system. The egg production cycle takes 24-26 hours, so a hen can only ovulate and lay one egg per day maximum.
This holds true for all breeds, including broilers. If a broiler hen miraculously began laying, she could produce a maximum of 1 egg per day. But realistically, the average would be closer to 5-6 eggs per week as mentioned above.
Egg Color
Broiler chicken eggs can come in various colors just like any breed. The specific color depends on the breed/crossbreed. Most common would be white or brown eggs, but blue, green, and pink eggs are also possibilities.
The color of the egg shell doesn’t affect taste or nutrition, it’s purely cosmetic.
Can Broilers Produce Fertile Eggs?
For an egg to be fertilized and develop into a chick, the hen needs to have mated with a rooster. Since broilers are typically raised in crowded commercial facilities with no roosters, their eggs would not be fertilized.
But theoretically, a mature broiler hen allowed to mate could produce fertile eggs and offspring just like any other chicken breed. This would be extremely uncommon though.
There are some specialized “broiler breeder” operations that do facilitate mating to supply more broiler chicks to the meat industry.
Why Don’t We Get Broiler Eggs?
The reason we never see broiler chicken eggs in the supermarket is simply their extremely short lifespan. They just don’t have time to mature and start laying before slaughter.
Broilers have been bred specifically for efficient meat production, not eggs. So producers get them to market weight as quickly as possible.
Could You Raise Broilers for Eggs?
While it’s hypothetically possible to raise broiler chickens and gather some eggs, it’s really not practical. You’d have to raise them for over 6 months before any egg production started, only to get a mediocre number of eggs.
For small scale egg production, you’re better off with a dedicated laying breed that starts producing sooner and sustains higher egg numbers over a longer productive lifetime.
Typical Lifespan Differences
Broilers are ready to be processed at 6-8 weeks old whereas laying hens don’t start producing eggs until around 20-24 weeks.
And laying hens continue to produce eggs efficiently for 1-2 years. Their average lifespan is generally 5-8 years.
Broilers obviously don’t live nearly that long since their production cycle ends after just 1-2 months.
Dual Purpose Chicken Breeds
Some breeds are considered dual purpose – providing both meat and eggs. Examples are Sussex, Plymouth Rock, Orpington, and Rhode Island Red.
These lay reasonably well, around 250 eggs per year, but also yield a good carcass. Not as specialized as a broiler or prolific layer, but a decent middle ground.
Health Considerations of Broilers
Selectively breeding broilers for extreme growth rate and body mass has caused some health issues:
- Respiratory disease due to crowded conditions
- Leg disorders from excess weight
- Ascites – fluid accumulation in abdomen
- Sudden death syndrome
So there are welfare concerns around commercial broiler production that don’t affect laying hens.
While broiler chickens are technically able to lay eggs if allowed to mature, their egg production is very limited compared to laying breeds.
Since broilers are brought to market weight and processed so quickly, most never get the chance to reach reproductive age and begin laying eggs. And even if they did, their egg output would be relatively low due to their genetics being selected for meat rather than egg qualities.
Realistically a broiler hen might lay 1 egg every 2-3 days if kept long term, but never maximizing at 1 egg per day like a quality layer could sustain.
So the short answer remains: Broiler chickens do not lay eggs in any significant quantity, with an average of 0 eggs per day under normal commercial conditions.
Diet Impacts Egg Production
Proper nutrition is essential for egg production. Chickens need a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium to support egg formation and laying. Feed formulated specifically for laying hens can provide the nutrients necessary for optimal egg production.
One way to help ensure your hens are getting the nutrition they need is to provide them with Backyard Boost® Daily Essentials. This pelleted protein supplement for poultry is designed to maximize digestibility and egg production. It contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a prebiotic research-proven to enhance digestibility, as well as nutrients needed for overall well-being. It also contains AO-Biotics® EQE, a postbiotic research proven to enhance egg quality.
Environment Affects Egg Production
Temperature extremes, high humidity, and stressors such as predators, overcrowding or inadequate housing can negatively impact egg production. Providing a comfortable and stress-free environment can help maintain consistent egg production.
Chickens that are healthy and free from diseases are more likely to lay eggs regularly. Common health issues such as parasites, respiratory infections and reproductive disorders can interfere with egg production. Regular health checks and proper veterinary care can help prevent and address health issues that may affect egg production.
Do Broiler Chickens Lay Eggs
FAQ
How many eggs can a broiler lay a day?
At most, a hen (female chicken) can lay one egg a day – but a hen will not always lay an egg every day. It takes 24 to 26 hours for a hen to produce an egg. See How a hen makes an egg?
What chicken lays 350 eggs a year?
The ISA Brown chicken breed is known for laying the most eggs, with some individuals reaching 350 eggs per year. These hybrid chickens are popular for backyard farming due to their high egg production and docile nature.
Is it cheaper to raise chickens or buy eggs?
How many eggs will 100 chickens lay a day?
With 100 chickens, you can generally expect around 80-100 eggs per day, assuming they are all healthy and in their prime laying period. This is based on the understanding that a hen typically lays one egg every 24-26 hours, according to Strong Animals Chicken Essentials.