Hens’ eggs are typically 2.3in long, have a circumference of 5.5in, and weigh 0.7oz.

Mark Cornish, her owner, said: ‘My eyes almost popped out of my head when I first saw it. We might have to see about entering her in the record books. Anyone would think it was a goose egg, it’s that big.

‘My first thought was whether Matilda was okay after laying such a huge egg but she seems completely nonplussed by it all.’

Mr Cornish, a 36-year- old IT teacher, and his partner Denise Bartram, 42, have kept four hens in their garden in Ipswich for the past six months.

They say it is a good way of cutting costs in the credit crunch. Mr Cornish has no idea why Matilda laid the giant egg on Monday. ‘We’ve certainly not been feeding her anything unusual lately,’ he said.

'I suppose they lead a happy life so maybe Matilda was just feeling pleased with herself.’ 2001.

Unfortunately, Matilda’s efforts are by no means record breaking.

The heaviest hen’s egg weighed an astonishing 16oz.