Backyard Chicken Facts You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Washing a freshly laid egg removes its natural bloom, so the counter and refrigerator rules change immediately. Add in pointy-end-down storage, face-recognizing hens, and dust baths that look like chicken panic, and backyard flock life starts making much more sense.

When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?

Most hens start laying between 16 and 24 weeks, but breed, daylight, diet, and stress can shift the schedule. Learn to spot red combs, squatting, nesting interest, and extra chatter before the first tiny, strange, unforgettable egg appears.