lägglägga

Lägglägga is a Swedish term that translates to "laying hen" in English. It refers specifically to a hen that has reached the age of sexual maturity and has begun to lay eggs. This stage is a significant milestone in the life cycle of a domestic fowl, marking the transition from pullet to layer. The onset of egg production is influenced by various factors including breed, nutrition, daylight hours, and overall health.

Hens that are designated as lägglägga are typically housed and managed to optimize their egg-laying performance. Their diet is formulated to provide the necessary nutrients for egg formation, such as calcium for shell strength and protein for yolk production. Environmental conditions, including temperature and light exposure, are also carefully controlled. The term emphasizes the hen's primary function in agricultural contexts, where egg production is the main goal.

The productive lifespan of a lägglägga varies by breed, but generally, hens will lay for a period of several years. As hens age, their egg production typically declines. The term lägglägga is therefore associated with a period of active and consistent egg-laying. In broader usage, it simply denotes a female chicken capable of and engaged in egg production.