Skip to content
When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Signs Your Hen is Ready!
Raising backyard chickens can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, providing fresh eggs and a deeper connection to sustainable living. One of the most exciting milestones for chicken keepers is when their hens begin laying eggs, marking the transition from young pullets to productive layers. However, many first-time chicken owners wonder when this process actually begins. The age at which chickens start laying eggs is not fixed; instead, it varies based on several key factors. The breed of the chicken plays a significant role, as some breeds mature faster than others. Additionally, a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports healthy development and timely egg production. Understanding these factors can help chicken owners better prepare for and optimize their flock’s egg-laying potential.
At What Age Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
The age at which chickens begin laying eggs varies based on several factors, but on average, most hens start producing eggs between 16 to 24 weeks of age (approximately 4 to 6 months). However, the exact timing depends on the breed, diet, environment, and overall health of the chicken.
| Factor | Details |
| Average Age | 16 to 24 weeks (4 to 6 months) |
| Breed Differences | - Early layers (16-18 weeks): ISA Browns, Golden Comets, Leghorns - Average layers (20-24 weeks): Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, Australorps - Late layers (24+ weeks): Orpingtons, Cochins, Brahmas |
| Diet & Nutrition | - Starter feed (first few months): High in protein for growth - Layer feed (starting at 16-18 weeks): Rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins - Poor nutrition can delay egg-laying |
| Environmental Factors |
-Daylight: 12-14 hours of light needed for egg production - Housing: Clean, comfortable coop with nesting boxes - Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can delay laying |
| Health & Genetics | -Healthy hens lay on time - Illness, parasites, or stress can delay laying - Genetics plays a role in egg-laying timing |
| Signs of Readiness | - Red, enlarged comb and wattles - Squatting behavior - Interest in nesting areas - Increased clucking sounds |
Signs That a Hen is Ready to Lay Eggs
As hens approach egg-laying age, they exhibit several physical and behavioral changes that signal they are ready to start laying.
- One of the most noticeable signs is the reddening and enlargement of the comb and wattles, which become more vibrant due to increased blood flow, indicating sexual maturity.
- Another key sign is squatting behavior, where the hen lowers herself close to the ground and spreads her wings slightly when touched on the back—this submissive posture suggests she is ready for mating and, consequently, egg production.
- Additionally, hens nearing their first lay often explore nesting boxes, scratching around and sitting inside as they prepare a comfortable spot for laying. They may also become more vocal and restless, clucking more frequently as if searching for a place to lay.
- Changes in appetite and increased water consumption can also be observed, as their bodies require more nutrients for egg production. By recognizing these signs, chicken keepers can ensure their hens have proper nesting areas and a well-balanced diet to support a healthy and smooth transition into egg-laying.
How to Encourage Chickens to Start Laying
If your chickens are at the right age but haven’t started laying, try these methods:
-
Ensure proper nutrition – Provide layer feed rich in protein (16-18%), calcium supplements like crushed oyster shells, and fresh water at all times.
-
Provide comfortable nesting boxes – Make sure there are enough nesting boxes (one per 3-4 hens), lined with soft bedding like straw or pine shavings, and located in a quiet, dark area of the coop.
-
Use artificial lighting in winter – If daylight hours drop below 14 hours, install a low-wattage light on a timer to maintain a consistent light schedule.
-
Minimize stress – Keep the coop clean, dry, and well-ventilated, avoid moving hens too frequently, and protect them from predators or aggressive flock mates.
-
Encourage laying with dummy eggs – Placing ceramic or wooden eggs in nesting boxes can signal to hens that it’s a safe place to lay.
Common Reasons for Delayed Egg Laying
If your hens are older than 24 weeks and still not laying, possible causes include:
-
Poor diet – Lack of protein or calcium can delay laying; ensure they are getting a balanced layer feed.
-
Extreme weather – Hot summers can cause heat stress, while cold winters can slow egg production.
-
Molting – Hens naturally lose and regrow feathers once a year, temporarily halting egg production.
-
Illness or parasites – Check for signs of disease, respiratory issues, or parasites like mites and lice, which can impact health and egg-laying.
-
Broodiness – Some hens may become broody and stop laying, focusing instead on sitting on eggs.
What to Expect from the First Eggs
When hens first start laying, their eggs can look quite different from what you're used to. Here’s what to expect:
1. Small and Irregularly Shaped EggsThe first few eggs are often smaller than normal and may have unusual shapes, such as elongated or slightly misshapen shells. These are called poultry eggs, laid by young hens (pullets) that are just starting to mature.
2. Soft or Thin ShellsSome early eggs may have soft shells or thin, fragile shells. This happens because the hen's reproductive system is still adjusting. Providing a calcium-rich diet (such as crushed oyster shells) can help strengthen eggshells.
3. Inconsistent Laying PatternsAt first, a young hen may not lay eggs daily. Instead, you might notice gaps between egg-laying days as her body gets into a regular cycle. Over time, laying frequency stabilizes.
4. Double Yolks & Odd SurprisesOccasionally, new layers produce double-yolk eggs due to irregular hormone surges. You might also find eggs with no yolk or eggs with two shells, but this is temporary.
5. Gradual Improvement in Egg QualityAs the hen matures, her eggs become larger, more uniform in shape, and stronger in shell quality. By the time she reaches full maturity, her eggs will be consistent in size and frequency.