Top 10 Myths about Eggs (& Chickens Production of them!)

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Myth #1: Chickens Only Lay Eggs in Spring

Myth number 1: 'Chickens only lay eggs in the spring.' Nope! Chickens can lay eggs all year round, as long as they get the right care and lighting. Most hens will slow down a bit in winter, but they don’t take a vacation! With the right lighting, they'll lay through the colder months too however here at Dalby we keep it as natural as possible and don’t mess with their cycles.

Myth #2: “You Need a Rooster for Hens to Lay Eggs

Nope! Quick refresher course… Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster around. The only difference is, without a rooster, the eggs won't be fertilized. So, if you're not looking to hatch chicks, no rooster needed!

At Dalby, while we do end up with a few Roosters here or there- we generally only keep hens and rarely deal with fertilized eggs.

Myth #3: “Egg Color affects nutritional value”

Ever hear someone suggest Brown eggs are healthier than white eggs.?This is purely a color thing! The nutritional value of an egg depends on the hen's diet and lifestyle, not the shell color. In fact, shell color is entirely determined by the BREED of the chicken.  So whether your eggs are white, brown, or even blue, they’re all deliciously nutritious."

Myth #4: “Hens Lay the Same Number of Eggs Every Day”

'Hens lay the same number of eggs every day.' While it would be awesome if that were true, it’s not! Most hens will lay eggs about 4-6 times a week, not every single day. Factors like age, breed, diet, season and temperature can affect how often they lay. So, if your hen skips a day, don’t worry—it can be totally normal!

Myth #5: “Chickens Need a Lot of Space to Lay Eggs”

Myth number 5: 'Chickens need a lot of space to lay eggs.' While it's true that chickens need space to roam, they don’t need a mansion to lay eggs. A comfortable, clean, and safe nesting box is all they need to get busy laying. Just make sure they have some room to move around for their health!"

Myth #6: If You Leave Eggs in the Nest Too Long, They'll Spoil

Myth number 6: 'If you leave eggs in the nest too long, they’ll spoil.' Not necessarily! Eggs can actually last quite a while if they’re fresh.
I will add, once you wash the egg it should be refrigerated. If you collect the eggs, and they sit at room temperature in a carton, they’ll last longer than you expect. Still to be safe you can always check the freshness by using the float test!
Fill a tall glass with water, gently place the egg in. If the egg floats, it's not good anymore.

Myth #7: “Chickens only lay eggs in nesting boxes.'

Surprise! While hens love their cozy nesting boxes, they’re not always picky about where they lay their eggs. Chickens can lay eggs anywhere they feel safe — in the yard, under bushes, or even in random corners of the coop. That’s why it’s always good to check the whole area for hidden eggs!"

"Myth #8: All Eggs Should Be Uniform”

'All eggs are the same size.' Nope! Eggs can come in all sorts of sizes, from tiny 'pewee' eggs to large 'jumbo' ones. It depends on the breed and age of the hen, as well as how long she’s been laying. So, don’t be surprised if your carton has a mix of sizes!"

Myth #9:  “Hens only lay for 2-3 years”

No… Commercial markets tell themselves that as they unnecessarily cull them… In the real world a chickens egg production slows down with age, but continue to lay eggs well into their 5th or 6th year, though you might see fewer eggs as they age . So, don’t give up on your older hens just yet!"

Myth #10: “Eggs Need to Be Refrigerated Right Away

'Eggs need to be refrigerated right away.' Actually, in many countries, eggs are kept at room temperature right after being laid — and they’re just fine! The key is that eggs have a protective coating on them when they come out of the hen, which helps keep bacteria out. If you’re collecting eggs from your own flock, you can leave them out for a few days, but once they're washed or if you live in a hot climate, it's best to refrigerate them.

Well, that wraps up today’s episode! I hope we've cleared up some of the most common myths about chickens and egg production. If you learned something new, make sure to give us a thumbs up and hit that subscribe button for more chicken myths and farm tips!

And hey, if you’ve heard any other chicken myths you want us to tackle, drop them in the comments below. Until next time, keep those eggs coming and your chickens happy!