When do Chickens Begin Laying Eggs and How to Support Them
When we got our first baby chicks, I had no idea when they would start laying eggs. If you’re new to raising backyard chickens, then I’m sure you have wondered the same thing!
Understanding when this egg-citing moment (hehe) is likely to occur is crucial for chicken keepers. In this article, we’ll dive into the factors that influence when a chicken starts to lay, learn the signs to look for, and how you can support your egg-laying hens.
When do Hens Start Laying Eggs?
The age at which chickens start laying eggs can vary depending on the breed and individual factors. In general, a young hen will lay her first egg between 21 and 26 weeks of age or 4 and 6 months. While some breeds may start laying as early as 4 months, others may take longer, up to 6 or 7 months.
Breed Matters
Different chicken breeds mature at different rates, and this directly impacts when they start laying eggs. Generally, smaller breeds tend to mature more quickly than larger ones. Bantam breeds, for example, may start laying eggs as early as 5 to 6 months, while heavier breeds may take 6 to 7 months or more.
Here are some general guidelines for a few common chicken breeds.
- Leghorns: Known for early maturity, Leghorns often start laying eggs around 4 to 5 months of age.
- Rhode Island Reds: These chickens typically begin laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months of age.
- Plymouth Rocks: Plymouth Rock hens usually start laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months of age.
- Wyandottes: Wyandottes may start laying eggs at about 5 to 6 months of age.
- Easter Eggers: Easter Eggers are a type of chicken known for their colorful eggs and start laying between 5 to 6 months of age.
- Buff Orpingtons: Orpingtons tend to mature a bit later, and they may start laying eggs at around 6 to 7 months of age.
Environmental Factors
The time of year and environment in which chickens are raised play a significant role in their egg-laying timeline. Factors such as daylight hours and temperature can influence the onset of laying. Chickens are more likely to start laying eggs as daylight hours increase, usually in the spring and summer months.
Adequate temperatures are also essential for egg production, so colder climates may experience a delay in the start of laying. In general, most laying hens are comfortable and productive within a temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can negatively impact egg production. High temperatures, especially during hot summer months, can stress the hens and reduce egg production. On the other hand, cold winter months can also have adverse effects on egg production. To learn how to winterize your chicken coop, check out this article.
Nutrition and Diet
Laying a single egg requires a lot of energy so proper nutrition is crucial for the development of healthy laying hens. A chicken’s nutritional needs include a well-balanced diet that includes the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for healthy chickens. Providing adequate calcium is also crucial for laying hens to support the development of strong eggshells and overall bone health.
Signs Your Chicken is About to Start Laying
When a chicken is about to start laying eggs, there are several signs you can observe. Keep in mind that the exact age at which a chicken starts laying eggs can vary by breed, so these signs may not be universal, but they are generally the same.
Behavioral Signs
Observing your chickens’ behavior can provide valuable insights into their readiness to lay eggs. As hens approach the egg-laying age, they may exhibit behaviors such as nest-building, doing the submissive squat when you approach, and increased interest in secluded areas.
The submissive squat is a particularly telling sign, as it indicates that the hen is receptive to mating and may soon start laying eggs. I remember when my very first chicken, Ticket, did this squat. I had no idea what she was doing, and it made me laugh so hard.
What is the Submissive Squat?
The submissive squat, also known as the “submission posture” or “mating squat,” is a behavior observed in hens that is a sign of submission and readiness for mating. When a rooster approaches a hen, she may crouch down, lower her body, and spread her wings slightly. This posture allows the rooster to mount her for mating.
Increased Vocalization
Some hens become more vocal when they are about to lay eggs. They may cluck more or make distinctive egg-laying sounds. Once they do start laying, you may notice that some of them sing an egg-laying song when finished. I only have one chicken that sings an egg song after laying, and I love hearing her when she does it.
Comb and Wattles
The comb and wattles of a laying hen often become larger and redder as they approach egg-laying age. These are fleshy protuberances on the chicken’s head and under its beak.
I notice that when my hens are broody and during the winter when my chickens are laying less, their combs and wattles get very dull in color, then come spring (or when they’re no longer broody), they get very vibrant again.
Pelvic Bones Spread
As a hen matures, the pelvic bones will gradually separate to make room for egg passage. You can gently feel the pelvic bones on each side of the vent; if they are flexible and can be spread apart, it indicates that the hen is approaching the egg-laying stage.
Patience and Monitoring
While general guidelines exist, it’s important to remember that individual chickens may vary. Some may start laying a bit earlier, while others may take a little longer. Regular monitoring of your flock and providing the necessary care and attention will help ensure a smooth transition into the egg-laying phase.
How Long Does it Take for a Chicken to Lay an Egg?
The time it takes for a chicken to lay an egg can vary, but on average, it takes about 24-26 hours for a chicken to produce an egg. The process begins with the development of the egg inside the hen’s reproductive system.
Once the egg is fully formed, it takes some time for the hen to lay it – about 15-30 minutes. Hens typically lay eggs in the morning, and the process from the start of egg formation to laying is completed in about a day.
It’s worth noting that individual chickens may vary in their egg-laying habits, and factors such as age, breed, and environmental conditions can also influence the timing of egg-laying.
Additionally, not all chickens lay eggs daily; the frequency of egg production depends on the breed and other factors. My Silkies only lay about 3-4 times per week, whereas my Cinnamon Queens lay almost daily.
What to Know About Newly Laying Hens
Egg Size
The size of eggs laid by newly laying hens can vary, but they are typically smaller than the eggs laid by more mature hens. When hens first begin laying eggs, it may take some time for their reproductive systems to fully mature, and during this period, the eggs may be smaller in size.
The size of eggs can also depend on factors such as the breed of the chicken, genetics, and individual variations among hens. Generally, as hens continue to lay eggs, the size of the eggs tends to increase.
Egg Production
During the first few weeks of laying, the egg production of newly laying hens may be irregular as their reproductive systems are still maturing. However, as they reach maturity, their egg production tends to become more consistent. In peak production, a healthy laying hen can produce an egg almost every day.
Ways to Encourage New Hens to Lay
Encouraging new hens to lay eggs involves creating a comfortable and stress-free environment, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring the hens are mature enough to lay. Here are some tips to help encourage egg production in new hens.
Provide Cozy Nest Boxes
- Ensure that you have clean, comfortable nesting boxes filled with soft bedding material, such as straw or wood shavings.
- Place fake eggs or golf balls in the nesting boxes to mimic the presence of eggs and encourage the hens to lay.
Create a Comfortable Environment
- Ensure that the coop is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Provide enough space for the hens to move around comfortably.
- Minimize stressors, such as loud noises or predators, as stress can negatively impact egg production.
Optimal Nutrition
- Feed your hens a complete layer feed that contains the necessary nutrients for egg production, including extra calcium.
- Fresh water should be available at all times.
- Supplement their diet with oyster shells or crushed eggshells to provide additional calcium for strong eggshells. To learn more about the benefits of oyster shells and chicken grit, check out this article.
Lighting Conditions
- Hens typically need around 14-16 hours of daylight to stimulate egg production.
Regular Egg Collection
- Collect eggs regularly to prevent hens from becoming broody, which can reduce overall egg production. To learn how to store and preserve your fresh eggs, check out this article.
Monitor Health
- Regularly check to make sure you have healthy hens. If they show signs of illness, address the issue promptly, as sick hens are less likely to lay eggs.
Patience
- Be patient, especially with younger hens. It may take some time for them to reach maturity and start laying regularly.
Bottom Line
Knowing when chickens start laying eggs is an essential aspect of poultry keeping. By considering factors such as breed, age, environment, nutrition, and behavior, you can better anticipate when your backyard flock will contribute fresh eggs for your breakfast table.
Keep in mind that these signs are not foolproof, and individual chickens may exhibit different behaviors. Additionally, environmental factors, such as lighting conditions, can influence when chickens start laying. Providing a comfortable and secure nesting area with suitable bedding can encourage hens to lay eggs.
What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!
Related Posts:
How to Store and Preserve Fresh Eggs
Understanding and Caring for Broody Hens
What is Chicken Grit?
Do Chickens Have Periods?
How to Winterize Your Chicken Coop
Top Quiet Chicken Breeds
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This is so helpful! So many little things that help explain what to expect for layers to start.
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
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Hi Allen! I’m so happy you found this helpful! I do strive to put the most complete content out there. 🙂
We have ducks and they still haven’t laid! We’ve contemplated getting some chickens too though and this will be so helpful!
Learned so much from this, didn’t know there was so much you needed to do in order to raise chickens!