Understanding the biological rhythm of a hen is key to managing your expectations and keeping your flock healthy. Here is the breakdown of the laying cycle, from the first "pullet egg" to the golden years.

How Often Do They Lay?

Most modern laying breeds (like Red Sex Links or Azure Blues) aim to lay one egg every 24 to 26 hours.

A chicken’s body begins developing the next yolk almost immediately after an egg is laid. Because it takes slightly longer than a day to "package" an egg, your hens will likely lay a little later each afternoon until they eventually "miss" a day to reset their internal clock.

• High-Production Hybrids: 5–6 eggs per week.
  
  

• Heritage Breeds: 3–4 eggs per week.
  
  

Do They Lay All Year Round?

In Canada, the short days of winter are the biggest hurdle for egg production.

The Role of Light

A hen’s reproductive system is triggered by daylight. To maintain peak production, a chicken needs about 14 to 16 hours of light per day. As the sun sets earlier in the autumn, most hens will naturally slow down or stop laying entirely to conserve energy.

The Annual Molt

Once a year (usually in the fall), chickens go through a molt. they lose their old, ragged feathers and grow shiny new ones to stay warm for winter. Because feathers are made of nearly 90% protein, the hen’s body diverts all its protein resources to feather growth, meaning egg production completely stops for 4 to 8 weeks.

Pro-Tip: During the molt, boost their protein with mealworms! Our Peck Toys are a great way to serve these treats, keeping them active and distracted while they feel a bit "under the weather" during their feather loss.

How Many Years Do They Lay?

A chicken can live for 8 to 10 years, but her "peak" laying years are much shorter.

Year 1 (The Peak): This is the most productive year. Eggs might start small ("peewee" or pullet eggs) but quickly reach full size.

Year 2: Production typically drops by about 10–20%. However, the eggs are often slightly larger than in Year 1.

Year 3 & Beyond: Production continues to decline significantly each year. By age 4 or 5, a hen may only lay once or twice a week, or only during the peak of summer.

The "Retirement" Phase

Many backyard chicken owners keep their older hens as "coop grandmas." Even if they aren't filling the carton, they are excellent at pest control and teaching younger pullets the ropes.

Maximizing Your Harvest

To keep your girls laying as consistently as possible, you need to minimize stress. A bored chicken is a stressed chicken!

In the winter months when they can't forage in the garden, chickens often get restless. Our Peck Toys are designed to provide mental stimulation and physical exercise. By keeping them engaged and moving, you reduce the stress that can lead to a drop in egg production.

Starting your first flock is an exciting journey, and one of the first decisions you'll have to make is which chicken breeds to get. There are many gorgeous breeds to choose from, but in Canada, the "perfect" bird needs to be more than just a pretty face—it needs to be winter hardy, with a nice temperament and reliable egg production. We’ve rounded up the six best beginner-friendly breeds.

1. Red Sex-Links (The "Egg Machines")

If your #1 goal is a full egg basket, look no further. Red-Sex Links are hybrid stars that are famous for their sweet, "dog-like" personalities. Their name is derived from the fact that you can determine the sex of this breed as soon as they hatch because male and female chicks look different

Egg Production: ~300+ large brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Extremely docile; they often follow their owners around like pets.

Why they’re great for Canada: They are robust and continue laying even when the days get shorter and colder.

2. Black Sex-Links (a.k.a Black Stars)

Egg-cellent layers with striking black feathers and beautiful gold or copper "lacing" around the neck and breast.

Egg Production: Slightly lower than the Reds but still elite. Expect 250–300 large brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Calm and sturdy, but generally a bit more independent and "business-like" than the cuddly Red Sex-Links.

Why they’re great for Canada: Because they have Barred Rock genetics, they tend to be slightly larger and more "rugged" in the face of a harsh Canadian winter.

3. Barred Plymouth Rocks (The "Old Reliable")

These are the quintessential "black and white striped" farm chickens. They are incredibly hardy and handle Canadian winters with ease.

Egg Production: ~250 large brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Calm, steady, and great for families with children.

Why they’re great for Canada: They have a thick feather coat and a sturdy build that resists the chill.

4. Buff Orpingtons (The "Lap Chickens")

Often called the "Golden Retrievers of the chicken world," Orpingtons are big, fluffy, and love a good cuddle.

Egg Production: ~200–220 medium-to-large brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Famous for being the friendliest breed available.

Why they’re great for Canada: Their extra-fluffy feathers act like a built-in winter parka.

5. Chantecler (The "Canadian Original")

Developed in Quebec specifically for our climate, this breed is a true northern survivor.

Egg Production: ~200 brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Productive and calm, though a bit more independent than the Orpington.

Why they’re great for Canada: They have a "cushion comb" and almost no wattles, making them virtually immune to frostbite.

6. Black Australorps (The "Quiet Achievers")

An Australian breed that surprisingly thrives in the North. Their black feathers have a beautiful beetle-green shimmer in the sun.

Egg Production: ~250+ brown eggs per year.

Temperament: Quiet and gentle; they rarely cause drama in the pecking order.

Why they’re great for Canada: Excellent cold tolerance and highly consistent layers.