Eggs by breed
How many eggs does a Criolla (landrace hen) lay?
120 to 180 a year in her first year, about 2 to 3 a week in season. The free-ranging yard hen of Puerto Rico and Latin America. Fewer eggs, almost no feed bill, excellent mother.
Quick answer
| Per day | Per week | Per month | Per year (first year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | 2–3 | 10–15 | 120–180 |
Breed facts
| Egg | white to light brown, medium |
|---|---|
| Starts laying | 20–26 weeks |
| Temperament | independent, streetwise |
| Climate | built for tropical heat and rain |
| Goes broody | often |
| Type | landrace |
Year one, year two and after
The first full year of laying is the best. Year two runs 10 to 20 percent lower, and each year after drops again. A four-year-old Criolla (landrace hen) still lays in spring, just less.
How many Criollas do I need?
Take the eggs your household eats in a week and divide by 3. For a dozen a week, about 5. Round up; you will thank yourself in January.
What those eggs cost. With 5 Criollas and a bag of feed a month, the calculator tells you the cost per dozen and when the coop pays for itself. Cost-per-egg calculator.
Common questions
How many eggs does a Criolla (landrace hen) lay a day?
At most one. A Criolla (landrace hen) in full lay gives about 2 to 3 eggs a week, so some days she skips. No hen lays more than one egg a day.
When does a Criolla (landrace hen) start laying?
Between 20 and 26 weeks old. The first eggs are small and sometimes oddly shaped; that is normal.
Does a Criolla (landrace hen) lay in winter?
Less. Below about 12 hours of daylight most hens slow sharply or stop, then come back in spring.
How many Criollas do I need for a dozen eggs a week?
About 5. Divide the eggs your household eats in a week by 3 and round up.