So, you’ve committed the time and money to raise chickens. Yet, you haven’t seen any results or are anxiously awaiting the day you’ll see those juicy, fresh eggs. So, when do chickens start laying eggs? This is a question that most new backyard chicken owners have. The anticipation of seeing your money’s return, and gaining from it. But another aspect that most chicken owners and breeders overlook is patience. You don’t have to rush your hens for eggs. You might have to wait a while before you truly start reaping the rewards of owning chickens, especially if you recently brought them home.
Time is a crucial factor in egg production simply because chickens are not born with the ability to lay eggs. This short guide is full of tips and tricks that you can use to find out when chickens start laying eggs and how to get them to do it!
To start, you should know that the best ways to get chickens to lay eggs are to make sure they are healthy and happy. A healthy lifestyle makes you happy, which makes your body work the way it should. It’s a pretty simple idea that works for all species. As a new owner of chickens or as a veteran, you should know that the better your chickens’ quality of life, the faster they start producing eggs.
When your hens start laying eggs, it’s a big deal for anyone who keeps chickens in their backyard. After feeding and caring for your chicks for 4 to 7 months, finding that first egg is so satisfying. When do chickens start laying eggs, though? And what can you do to get your pullets to lay eggs faster?
Typical Egg Laying Timeline
Most chicken breeds will start laying eggs between 18-24 weeks old. However, some heritage breeds mature more slowly and won’t start until 30 weeks or older. Here’s a general timeline:
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From 16 to 18 weeks, pullets may start “practicing” laying eggs by doing the steps but not actually doing it. This helps their bodies get ready.
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18 to 22 weeks: This is when most breeds will lay their first small eggs, called “pullet eggs.” These eggs will be smaller than normal.
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22-24 weeks: Regular sized eggs will usually start around this time.
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24+ weeks: Egg production continues ramping up to peak production. This peak lasts for 1-2 years before slowly declining with age.
What Impacts When Chickens Start Laying
Many things influence the beginning of egg production in backyard chickens. The three biggest factors are:
1. Breed
Some chicken breeds mature much faster than others. Usually, it takes longer for heritage breed chickens to be ready, while commercial production breeds are ready faster. Here are typical lay ages for popular breeds:
- 16-18 weeks: Commercial White Leghorns, Sex Links, Isa Browns
- 18-22 weeks: Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons, Australorps
- 24+ weeks: Brahmas, Cochins, Silkies
So if having eggs sooner is important, choose a quick maturing production breed like a Leghorn.
2. Diet & Health
A nutritious diet with sufficient protein and calcium is essential for pullets to start laying. Feeding a complete layer feed or ration formulated for chicks and pullets ensures they get the nutrients they need. Providing oyster shell calcium supplement a few weeks before their first eggs helps too.
On the flip side, poor nutrition or health problems can significantly delay egg laying. Parasites, diseases, chronic stress, and malnutrition all inhibit development. Maintaining clean housing, access to fresh air and sunlight, and regular health checks helps prevent issues.
3. Season & Day Length
Egg production is heavily influenced by season and light exposure. Like most birds, chickens lay the most eggs when days are long and temperatures are moderate. This mirrors spring and summer conditions when prey is plentiful in the wild.
To maximize laying potential, use artificial lights to provide 14-16 hours of daylight for pullets. Set lights to come on in early morning and shut off at dusk. Providing light stimulus soon after hatching helps them start laying sooner during short winter daylight hours.
Encouraging Early Egg Laying
While you can’t force a pullet to start laying until her body is ready, you can help set her up for success:
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Choose a quick maturing, productive breed suited for egg laying.
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Feed a high quality complete feed to ensure proper nutrition.
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Provide oyster shell calcium supplement 2-4 weeks pre-lay.
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Maintain excellent housing conditions for health and minimal stress.
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Use artificial lighting to simulate spring/summer daylight length.
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Wait until nearer 20 weeks before being concerned about lack of eggs.
Finally, once that first egg arrives, resist the urge to collect and eat it right away! Let your pullet continue sitting on her first few eggs until she loses her broodiness and starts laying more regularly. Removing eggs too quickly can discourage her natural nesting instincts.
The Reward of Fresh Eggs
Caring for chicks requires patience. But once your hen house begins producing, you’ll have a steady supply of delicious fresh eggs! The wait is well worth it.
So keep an eye on your coop starting around 18 weeks, as you never know when you’ll find that first surprise egg. Happy hatching and collecting!
When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
A chicken typically starts laying eggs around 18 weeks. But it is important to understand that time is a crucial factor. A hen will not produce eggs until she feels ready. This question is also variable based on how you are getting your chickens. If you are buying them outright, then ask the seller about age and breed. If you want to breed your chickens instead, you can learn more about the breed of your hen and find out what the standard is for them. Freshly born chicks can’t lay eggs. For most breeds, the earliest they can start is between 18 weeks and 6 months.
What Can Affect Egg Production?
Timing and Season
Egg production in chickens is influenced by many different factors. When do chickens start laying eggs based on the timing of the season? While some breeds can produce eggs year-round, others stop for certain times of the year. December and wintertime, in general, is a period when most birds will stop laying eggs. This is because cold months are not the best time for raising chickens. A hen’s body recognizes this and stops egg production. Molting, the process of shedding old feathers, also reduces egg-laying. Instead of the body focusing on producing eggs, it focuses on growing new feathers. This process usually takes a month or two.
Chicken Pecking Order
When do chickens start laying eggs based on flock dynamics? As you probably know, chickens follow a pecking order in a flock. No matter the size of your flock, there will always be a queen who overlooks the flock (if you don’t have a rooster in your flock). If you change the way their flock works by adding or taking away chickens, the cycle will be thrown off. So be careful when you decide to adjust your flock.
When Do Chickens Start To Lay Eggs? 3 Easy Ways To Tell
FAQ
How do I know when my chickens are ready to lay eggs?
A chicken’s readiness to lay eggs can be determined by observing physical changes and behaviors. Look for a larger, redder comb and wattles, and a willingness to squat when approached, indicating readiness to mate and potentially lay.
Can you eat the first eggs your chickens lay?
Yes, the first eggs your chickens lay are safe to eat, though they may be smaller and sometimes have a slightly different shape or appearance.
Why are my 20 week old chickens not laying?
It’s normal for some chickens to not start laying eggs until they are older than 20 weeks, especially if they are from certain breeds or if they are experiencing seasonal changes like shorter daylight hours. Generally, chickens begin laying eggs between 18 and 24 weeks old, but some breeds can take longer.
What is the 90 10 rule for chickens?
This rule says that 90% of a hen’s food should be a high-quality, complete layer feed that gives them a healthy, balanced base. The remaining 10% can be supplemented with healthy additions such as organic scratch grains, oyster shells, fresh vegetables, herbs, and bugs.