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How Old Do Chickens Have To Be To Lay Eggs?

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How old do chickens have to be to lay eggs? Raising chickens can feel like a big waiting game—especially when you’re eager to collect your first fresh eggs! But exactly how old do chickens need to be before they start laying? Let’s crack open the mystery and walk through what to expect.

Hen that is of egg laying age on a nest ready to lay an egg.

The Magic Age for Egg-Laying

Most chickens start laying eggs somewhere between 18 and 22 weeks old. That’s around 4 to 5 months of age. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule—some breeds may take a little longer, while others may surprise you with early eggs.

For example:

  • Hybrid breeds like Golden Comets or Red Sex-Links are overachievers and might start laying as early as 16 weeks.
  • Heritage or dual-purpose breeds like Orpingtons or Wyandottes often take their time, beginning closer to 24 weeks or even later.

What Chickens Lay the Most Eggs

If you’re looking for chickens that lay the most eggs, certain breeds are true superstars in the egg department! 

Leghorns are famous for their incredible productivity, often laying around 300 white eggs per year. For brown eggs, Rhode Island Reds and Golden Comets are top picks, reliably producing 250-300 eggs annually. Want a friendly, all-purpose breed that’s also a great layer? Try Isa Browns or Australorps, which can deliver a steady flow of eggs while being sweet and easy to care for. These breeds are perfect for anyone wanting a full egg basket year-round!

Signs Your Chickens Are Ready to Lay

Not sure if your hens are ready to gift you with eggs? Look for these telltale signs:

  1. Red, Puffy Combs and Wattles
    As hens approach maturity, their combs and wattles (those fleshy parts on their heads) turn a vibrant red and look fuller.
  2. The Squat
    Hens preparing to lay will often squat when you approach—a submissive stance that says, “Hey, I’m about to become a big deal around here!”
  3. Curiosity About Nesting Boxes
    If your girls start checking out the nesting boxes or arranging bedding like interior designers, egg time is near.
  4. Increased Clucking
    You might notice more vocalization. It’s almost like they’re practicing for the proud “egg song” they’ll sing after laying.

What Can Delay Egg-Laying?

Sometimes, chickens take their sweet time, and that’s okay! Here are a few common reasons why laying might be delayed:

  • Shorter daylight hours: Hens need 12-14 hours of daylight to kickstart egg production. If it’s late fall or winter, they might hold off until the days are longer.
  • Diet deficiencies: Make sure your chickens have access to a balanced layer feed with plenty of protein and calcium.
  • Stress: Predators, overcrowding, or a sudden change in environment can delay laying. A happy hen is a productive hen!

When Will My First Egg Arrive?

Your hen’s first egg might be a little…odd. It could be smaller than normal, have a softer shell, or even be slightly misshapen. Don’t worry—this is totally normal as her body adjusts to laying.

Pro tip: Once laying begins, check those nesting boxes daily. Hens often like to lay at the same time, so you could end up with a collection of fresh eggs in no time.

Final Thoughts

The wait for those first eggs is always worth it. Whether your chickens start laying right on schedule or take a little longer, each egg is a reward for all the love and care you’ve put into raising them.

Still waiting on your first egg? Patience, my friend—it’s just around the corner! And when it happens, don’t forget to celebrate with a delicious breakfast made with your flock’s hard work. 🐓🥚

What was the age of your first egg-laying chicken? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!

If you would like to see more posts about chickens CLICK HERE! 🐔🐤

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