The Science of Chicken Egg Laying

Chickens are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs from which their young emerge. This process is fascinating and complex, involving various biological systems and cycles.

Hens have just one functional ovary, the left one. This ovary releases a yolk, the oocyte, which starts the egg formation process as it travels through the oviduct.

Egg formation involves several steps: the yolk forms in the ovary, then travels through the oviduct where the white, membranes, and shell are added over about 24-26 hours.

A hen's diet is crucial for egg laying. It must be rich in calcium, proteins, and other nutrients to ensure strong shells and healthy embryo development.

Once the egg is fully formed, the hen experiences a hormonal change that triggers the laying process. She'll seek a safe, comfortable place to lay her egg.

Not all hens lay an egg daily. The cycle can be affected by factors like daylight, age, and breed. Some breeds can lay 300 eggs per year, while others much less.

Eggs can be fertilized or unfertilized. Fertilization occurs before the shell forms, but both types of eggs go through the same laying process.

In rare cases, hens can lay eggs with translucent shells, revealing the yolk and white inside due to a genetic mutation.