Backyard Chickens 101: How Many Hens Do You Need?

Let’s be honest—chicken math is real. You might start thinking, “I just need a couple of hens for fresh eggs,” but before you know it, you’re building a bigger coop and justifying why you obviously need that adorable speckled hen you saw at the feed store. 😍 But before the chicken fever takes over, let’s do the math on how many hens will actually keep your household stocked with eggs—without turning your backyard into a feathery free-for-all.

The number of hens you need depends on:

1️⃣ How many eggs your household eats per week
2️⃣ The breed’s egg-laying ability
3️⃣ Seasonal egg production changes

Step 1: Count Your Egg Consumption

How many eggs does your household use per week?

• 🥚 Light use: 3-6 eggs per week → 2-3 hens

• 🍳 Moderate use: 7-12 eggs per week → 3-5 hens

• 🥧 Heavy use: 12-24 eggs per week → 5-8 hens

• 🛒 Extra for sharing/selling → 8+ hens

Step 2: Consider the Breed’s Egg Production

Average eggs per hen per year:

• 🥇 High producers (5+ eggs/week) – Leghorn, Australorp, Rhode Island Red

• 🥈 Moderate layers (3-5 eggs/week) – Orpington, Wyandotte, Sussex

• 🥉 Seasonal layers (2-4 eggs/week) – Easter Egger, Brahma, Cochin

👉 If you want a steady egg supply, go for high-production breeds.

Step 3: Account for Seasonal Production

• 🌞 Spring & Summer: Peak egg-laying

• 🍂 Fall: Some slow down due to molting

• ❄️ Winter: Reduced or stopped laying without supplemental light

If you want a year-round egg supply, get a few extra hens to cover slow months.

Quick Estimate: How Many Hens for YOU?

🔢 Weekly eggs needed ÷ breed’s weekly average = # of hens
Example: You want 12 eggs/week, and your breed lays 5 eggs/week → 3 hens needed

Planning Tip: Start with a few hens and expand if needed! 🐓💛