What Makes Hens Lay Eggs?

A hen's egg laying is influenced by her general physical wellbeing which in turn is highly influenced by diet and the conditions in which she is kept. But the seasons are also highly relevant and it has been shown that it is light levels rather than temperatures which influence a hen's productivity. A hen lays eggs to a typical cycle of one egg about every 25 hours but she will not lay eggs when it is dark. Therefore in the summer months, typified by long days, the cycle equates to one egg a day for about 12 to 15 days followed by a rest day because darkness falls before the 25 hour cycle is up. However, when the days are shorter with lower light levels throughout there are more and more "no egg" days. Contrary to common belief a cockerel is not necessary to stimulate egg production but vital, of course, if you want fertilised eggs.