Why do chickens lay eggs?

Here's a breakdown:

* Evolutionary Purpose: Like many other bird species, chickens evolved to lay eggs as a way to reproduce. Eggs provide a protective shell for developing embryos.

* Hormonal Trigger: Female chickens produce hormones that stimulate egg production. This is influenced by factors like daylight hours, age, and breed.

* Not Necessarily Fertilized: While some eggs are fertilized and can hatch into chicks, most commercially produced eggs are not. The lack of a rooster means the egg is unfertilized and will not hatch.

So, even though you might think of eggs as a tasty breakfast food, their primary biological function is to potentially produce offspring.