Riddles are a fantastic way to challenge your brain and test your ability to think outside the box. While some riddles require complex calculations, others are all about attention to detail and logical thinking.
The riddle we’re about to break down has confused thousands of people. Why? Because it plays on assumptions, misdirection, and how we naturally interpret numbers. So, are you up for the challenge? Let’s see if you can solve it!

The Riddle That Confuses Everyone
Here’s the riddle that has left countless people scratching their heads:
“If I had 4 eggs,
My rabbit lays 4 eggs,
A thief gives me 3 eggs,
My farm rooster lays 5 eggs,
How many eggs do I have?”
At first glance, it looks like a simple math problem. Most people will instinctively add up the numbers:
- 4 eggs
- 4 eggs from the rabbit
- 3 eggs from the thief
- 5 eggs from the rooster
That gives a total of 16 eggs, right? Wrong!
This riddle is designed to mislead you. Let’s break it down and reveal the correct answer.
Video: if I had four eggs riddle/puzzle answer
Analyzing the Riddle Sentence by Sentence
To solve this riddle, we need to think critically and question every statement.
1. “If I had 4 eggs”
The key word here is “if.” This is a hypothetical statement, meaning it’s not real—it’s just an assumption.
So, do you actually have 4 eggs? No! The sentence doesn’t confirm that you ever had them.
2. “My rabbit lays 4 eggs”
Wait a minute—do rabbits lay eggs? No, they don’t! Rabbits are mammals; they give birth to live young, not eggs.
Since it’s scientifically impossible, this line contributes zero eggs to the total.
3. “A thief gives me 3 eggs”
This is the only valid statement in the riddle. If a thief hands you 3 eggs, you now actually have 3 real eggs in your possession.
4. “My farm rooster lays 5 eggs”
Think about it—do roosters lay eggs? No! Only hens lay eggs. A rooster is a male chicken, so this statement is also impossible.
So, how many eggs does this line add? Zero!
The Correct Answer: How Many Eggs Do You Have?

After removing all the false and hypothetical statements, the only real eggs in this riddle come from the thief.
That means the correct answer is:
3 eggs.
Simple, right? But don’t worry if you got it wrong—99% of people do!
Why Do So Many People Get This Riddle Wrong?
This riddle is designed to trick your brain into focusing on numbers instead of logic. Here’s why people fall for the trap:
- We assume all numbers are relevant. When we see numbers in a question, our brains automatically try to calculate a total—even if some numbers don’t make sense.
- We don’t question the statements. Most people don’t stop to think, “Wait… do rabbits and roosters even lay eggs?”
- The wording is misleading. By mixing a real statement (the thief’s eggs) with impossible ones, the riddle tricks us into making a mathematical error.
Lessons You Can Learn from This Riddle

Riddles like this one sharpen our thinking skills and teach us valuable problem-solving techniques. Here’s what you can take away from this challenge:
- Read carefully. Pay close attention to the wording before jumping to conclusions.
- Think logically. If something sounds impossible, question it!
- Slow down. The trick to solving riddles isn’t speed—it’s accuracy.
Final Thoughts
This riddle is a perfect example of how our brains can be tricked by assumptions and misdirection. While it may seem simple in hindsight, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and miss the key details.
Next time you come across a tricky riddle, take your time, analyze each statement, and think critically. Who knows? You might just outsmart 99% of people!
So, did you get the right answer? Let me know! And if you love brain teasers, keep challenging yourself—you never know when your sharp thinking will come in handy!