When do chickens start laying eggs? It is a very common question beginner chicken keepers often ask. If you are a beginner, then you might be thinking that your little cute chickens have matured into sleek-looking hens and they will start laying eggs soon.
But actually when do chickens start laying eggs? There are actually several factors that affect the eggs production from a pullet (a female chicken under one year old). We know your feeling waiting for the first egg from your young flock. But you should keep in mind some factors to expect first egg from your chickens.
When do chickens start laying eggs?
It’s very hard to tell the exact answer of the question when do chickens start laying eggs. Exact time and age of the chicken for starting to lay eggs depends on numerous factors and can vary from breed to breed. But generally a hen will start laying eggs when she is still a pullet.
On an average most of the chicken breeds typically start laying eggs at around their six months of age, or about their 20-22 weeks of age. Although, exact time depends on the time of the year and also on breed. Some chicken breeds which are mainly bred for eggs production purpose can start laying eggs much earlier. They can typically start laying eggs as early as their 16 to 18 weeks of age. But remember that their laying lifespan will not be as long as some other heritage chicken breeds.
Dual-purpose chicken breeds (which are kept for both meat and eggs production purpose) typically start laying eggs at around their 20 to 24 weeks of age. However, many dual-purpose breeds are also heritage breeds. Heritage chicken breeds are the breeds of chicken that have existed prior to the twentieth century and meet the heritage breed standards as set by the American Poultry Association (aka APA).
Some heritage chicken breeds generally take longer to mature and lay eggs, typically until closer to their 28 weeks of age. Some of the heritage chicken breeds which are larger in size may even take as long as 8 months to reach maturity and start laying eggs. Although, these breeds take longer to start laying, but they have relatively long lifespan and they produce eggs for longer period of time.
Do chickens lay eggs in the winter?
Yes, sure. Most of chicken breeds will continue to lay eggs throughout the winter. A hen actually need adequate amount of lighting hours in order to start laying eggs or egg laying. However, eggs production surely decrease during winter. This is because the daylight hours are much shorter than the summer.
Pullets who are raised in late summer or fall may not start laying until the following spring even though they reach production maturity during the winter. Once they start receiving between 12-14 hours of daylight, that will trigger production and cause them to start laying.
What are the signs that a hen will start laying eggs soon?
Are you waiting for the first eggs from your flock but haven’t collected yet? Don’t worry at all. There is nothing wrong with your pullets as long as they are healthy and you are feeding them nutritious food. However, there are few signs that you can watch for in your maturing pullets that may indicate that they are getting ready to lay their first eggs. Some of these signs are:
- Exploring the nesting boxes
- Submissive squat
- Larger and redder combs and wattles
- Increased appetite etc.
When a hen stop laying eggs?
Actually, a hen will never run out of eggs to lay eggs. However, that doesn’t mean she will lay for her entire life. A hen’s actual lifespan is much larger than her productive lifespan. Producing eggs actually takes a lot of energy and is not something that older hens can handle as they age. Exact time when a chicken stops laying eggs will depend on her breed.
If you want to know the reasons of why some hens stop laying eggs suddenly, then some common reasons of why some hens stop laying eggs are molting, broodiness and shorter daylight hours. Most of the hens typically stop laying eggs when they molt in the fall. A hen will also stop laying eggs when she will go broody and stop laying eggs. And the hens may also stop laying eggs when they do not receive enough daylight.
When do chickens start laying eggs by breed?
Not all the chicken breeds are same, and not all of them will start laying eggs at the same time. Here we are trying to list some most common breeds and the time when they start laying eggs.
When do Rhode Island Red chickens start laying eggs?
Rhode Island Red chickens typically start laying eggs at their 18 to 24 weeks of age.
When do Leghorn chickens start laying eggs?
Leghorn chickens start laying eggs as early as 16 to 20 weeks of age.
When do Australorp chickens start laying eggs?
Australorp chickens start laying eggs between their 20 to 24 weeks of age.
When do Ameraucana chickens start laying eggs?
The Ameraucana chickens are noted for their distinctive blue colored eggs. Their average egg laying starting age is typically between 20 to 24 weeks.
When do Bantam chickens start laying eggs?
Bantam chickens typically start laying eggs at their 22 to 28 weeks of age.
When do Barred Rock chickens start laying eggs?
Barred Rock chickens start laying eggs much earlier than some other breeds. These chickens typically start laying eggs within their 18-22 weeks of age.
When do Brahma chickens start laying eggs?
Brahma is the largest of all chicken breeds, and they typically take longer time for starting laying than most other chicken breeds. In good conditions, Brahma chickens can start laying eggs at their 24 to 28 weeks of age.
When do Silkie chickens start laying eggs?
Silkie chickens typically take longer time for laying eggs for the first time. Average laying age of the Silkies is typically between 24 to 28 weeks.
When do Polish chickens start laying eggs?
Polish is actually an ornamental chicken breed. And this breed typically start laying eggs at their 20 to 26 weeks of age.
These are all we wanted to share with you regarding when do chickens start laying eggs. Exact time of starting eggs production depends on numerous factors and can vary from breed to breed and time of the year. But generally most of the chicken breed start to lay eggs within their 20-22 weeks of age. Hens typically don’t have an exact time daily to lay eggs. But most of the hens prefer to lay eggs in the morning or early afternoon. Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!
