Why do chickens lay unfertilized eggs?

[Eric in NC]

Birds do it, dogs do it, people do it (women of child bearing age ovulate every month), etc.

A "just in case" plan by nature to make sure offspring are produced if there happens to be a male around to fertilize the egg.

Domestic chickens have been bred to do it more often and more reliably but as others have said, many types of birds will do it just because of the length of the day.

 

[Ladyhawke1]

I really hope that they would put "science" back into the school curricula.

 

[deerman]

Quote:
Little info. honey bees eggs fertile one hatch only females, unfertile eggs hatch out all Males.

 

[KnitswithChickens]

Quote:
Yes this is what I meant. I didn't ask the right question. Thanks.

 

[Ladyhawke1]

Let’s put this more succinctly and there is always an exception to the rule. All female animals ovulate whether there is a male present or not.

 

[MissPrissy]

Quote:
Yes this is what I meant. I didn't ask the right question. Thanks.

Domestic chickens and other poultry have been selectively bred by humans to lay more eggs consistantly. Some lay more some lay less but most take a break yearly and don't lay for long stretches of time. The average chicken lays 240 - 260 eggs a year. That leaves a lot of day when they don't lay.

Repeating the answer to your question -

Domestic chickens and other poultry have been selectively bred by humans to lay more eggs.