Do hens have to mate lay eggs?

Hens, like all female birds, are capable of laying eggs without being fertilized by a rooster. These eggs are called "infertile eggs" and are the ones we typically eat.

Here's why:

* Hormonal cycle: Hens have a regular hormonal cycle that stimulates the production of eggs, regardless of mating.

* Egg formation: The egg-laying process involves the development of an egg yolk in the ovary, followed by its movement down the oviduct, where it gets coated with albumen (egg white), shell membranes, and finally, the shell. This process is driven by hormones and is independent of fertilization.

While hens can lay fertile eggs after mating with a rooster, these eggs have the potential to develop into chicks. However, most hens in commercial settings are not exposed to roosters and therefore lay only infertile eggs.