Do hens require a rooster to lay eggs?

Hens do not require a rooster to lay eggs; they will produce eggs regardless of the presence of a rooster. The laying of eggs is a natural reproductive process that occurs in hens and is regulated by their reproductive cycle. Hens typically lay eggs in response to daylight hours and specific hormonal changes associated with their ovulatory cycles.

While a rooster is necessary for fertilizing the eggs if one wishes to produce chicks, the laying of eggs itself is independent of a rooster’s presence. This means that even without a rooster, hens can continue to lay eggs, which will simply remain unfertilized. This understanding is crucial for poultry enthusiasts, whether for backyard flocks or larger poultry operations, as it impacts egg production decisions and the management of breeding purposes.