When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?

When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? (Real Talk From My Own Flock)

If you’re raising your first flock, you’re probably checking the coop every morning thinking, “Is today the day?” I’ve been there — boots muddy, coffee in hand, and not an egg in sight. So… when do chickens start laying eggs?

Most healthy hens will start laying somewhere between 16 and 24 weeks old. But don’t treat that like gospel — because chickens, much like teenagers, all develop on their own terms. Some of mine got to laying at 17 weeks, while others looked me in the eye at 25 weeks like, “Eggs? Never heard of ‘em.”

So if you’re asking how long before hens lay eggs or when do pullets lay eggs, the real answer is: it depends. Breed, daylight, diet, and even stress all play a part. Stick with ‘em — it’s coming.

🐔 What Are the Signs a Chicken Is About to Lay Her First Egg?

You don’t just wake up to a golden yolk out of nowhere (though that’d be nice). Thankfully, there are clear signs chickens are about to lay eggs, and once you know what to look for, it’s actually kind of fun to track their progress.

Here’s what I saw with my own flock right before that first egg showed up:

• Bright red combs and wattles: That pale pink color deepens fast when they’re gearing up
• The squat test: If your pullet squats when you approach, she’s about ready
• Increased curiosity around the nesting boxes
• Extra chattiness — like they’re practicing their egg song

All of these changes started about a week or two before we saw our first little egg. And yep — it was tiny, weird-looking, and slightly magical.

Knowing these signs is key if you’re anxiously wondering when do chickens start laying eggs and want to make sure things are on track. Don’t rush ’em. They’ll get there — and once they do, it’s hard to stop that daily egg run from becoming your favorite part of the day.

What Age Do Different Breeds Start Laying Eggs?

If you’re asking when do chickens start laying eggs, it really helps to know what breed you’re dealing with. Some are early bloomers, while others take their sweet time. Here’s what I’ve seen firsthand and learned from fellow chicken raisers:

Early Layers (16–18 weeks):

• Leghorns
• Golden Comets
• ISA Browns
• Red Sex Links

These are the overachievers — they start laying young and lay often. Great for folks wanting eggs fast.

Mid-Range Layers (18–22 weeks):

• Plymouth Rocks
• Buff Orpingtons
• Australorps
• Rhode Island Reds

Most backyard folks have one or more of these — reliable layers with a good temperament.

Late Bloomers (22–26+ weeks):

• Brahmas
• Cochins
• Marans
• Some heritage breeds

If you’ve got these girls and they’re hitting the 20+ week mark with no eggs, don’t panic — they’re just fashionably late. For folks still pacing the coop at 24 weeks, asking how long before hens lay eggs, the answer might just be: depends on the bird.

🥬 What Should I Feed My Chickens to Help Them Start Laying?

Feeding plays a huge role in when and how well your chickens lay. If you want to help them start laying (or lay more consistently), their diet needs to shift with their age.

Here’s what I do with my flock:

• Starter Feed: Up to 6–8 weeks old
• Grower Feed: 8 to 16–18 weeks
• Layer Feed: Start around 18 weeks — or when they show signs they’re close to laying

Once your hens are nearing the laying stage, switch them to a good quality layer feed with calcium. I also toss in crushed oyster shell in a separate feeder — free choice. Some hens go nuts for it when they’re about to lay.

Avoid giving too many treats or scraps early on. Too much corn or scratch grains can slow things down. If you’re wondering how to help chickens start laying, a clean coop, balanced feed, and plenty of daylight go a long way.

Oh — and keep fresh water available all day, every day. A dehydrated hen won’t lay squat.

Why Aren’t My Chickens Laying Eggs Yet?

If you’ve hit that 20 to 24-week mark and still no eggs, it’s easy to start spiraling — I’ve been there. But before you threaten your hen with becoming soup, let’s go over a few common reasons why your chickens might not be laying yet:

1. Not enough daylight:
Hens need around 14 hours of light a day to trigger egg-laying hormones. If it’s fall or winter, shorter days can delay things. Some folks add a coop light on a timer — others just wait until spring.

2. Stress:
New coop setup? Loud dogs? Flock bullying? Any of that can stress your birds out, and stressed chickens don’t lay. Make sure their space feels safe and calm.

3. Poor nutrition:
If they’re still on grower feed, lacking calcium, or filling up on snacks, their bodies may not be ready yet. Refer back to what to feed your hens in the previous section to make sure they’re getting what they need.

4. Hidden nests:
Yep, sometimes they’ve been laying… you just haven’t found the stash yet. I’ve found first eggs in flowerpots, under woodpiles, and once — inside an old boot.

5. They’re just late bloomers:
Just like humans, chickens develop at their own pace. If you’re still asking when do chickens start laying eggs after 24 weeks, and they’re healthy otherwise — give them a bit more time.

🥚 What’s That First Egg Like? (It Might Surprise You)

Let me tell ya — the first egg your chicken lays might not be the perfect, golden-yolked prize you had in mind. But when it shows up, it’s still a proud moment.

Here’s what I’ve seen in that first egg chicken timeline:

• Small or “fairy eggs” – Totally normal
• Odd shapes – Lumpy, pointy, or slightly squashed
• Soft shells or no shells – Their systems are still figuring it out
• Double yolks – Yep, sometimes you get a bonus

The first egg usually shows up after your pullet has been showing signs (red combs, squatting, nesting), and once it does — others follow fast. Within a week or two, your daily egg haul starts to stabilize.

Make sure your nesting boxes are lined, easy to access, and filled with something soft and clean. Once they get the hang of it, you’ll be collecting breakfast every morning.

And trust me — that first weird little egg? You’ll remember it forever.

Final Tips for When Your Chickens Start Laying Eggs

So, if you’re still wondering when do chickens start laying eggs, here’s the short version:

• Most hens lay between 16 and 24 weeks
• Some go earlier, some later — especially heritage breeds
• Watch for the signs (red combs, squatting, nesting)
• Keep their feed, light, and coop stress-free
• Don’t panic if it’s taking longer — most of the time, it’s just normal

If you’re doing all the right things and still nothing, don’t give up. That first egg sneaks up on you — one day you’re refreshing chicken forums in frustration, the next you’re holding a tiny miracle in your hand.

Stay the course, trust the process, and keep your eye on the nesting box. That’s how I learned firsthand when chickens start laying eggs — and now, so will you.

Want more real-world tips? Our FAQ page covers other common egg-laying surprises, and you can always reach out through Contact Us if you’ve got a story or tip to share.