When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Signs, Symptoms, and FAQs

When do chickens start laying eggs? The question is pretty simple, but the answer is a bit confusing.

What you’ll learn in this whole guide:

• The exact age when chickens start laying eggs.
• 10 sure signs that your hen is about to lay.
• The breeds that will lay the most eggs.
• Tricks for lighting and feeding that make production go faster.
• What to do if your hens haven’t laid any eggs yet.

By the end, you’ll know when the first egg will come and how to make it come a little faster.

1. Why Your First Egg Makes You Feel Like You’ve Won

Many people who keep chickens in their yards think that the first egg laid by a hen is like finding hidden treasure in the coop. 

You might look at the nesting boxes every morning, hoping that today is the day your pullets finally start having chicks. 

You should feel that way because the first egg means that all your hard work over the past few months has finally paid off.

Most chickens start laying eggs between 16 and 24 weeks old, but the exact date depends on the breed, the food they are fed, the amount of daylight they get, and their overall health. 

Heavy heritage breeds usually take 22 to 28 weeks or longer, while lighter hybrid breeds can start as early as 16 to 18 weeks. 

Hens can lay eggs without a rooster, which is another surprise for people who are new to hens. You only need a rooster if you want fertilized eggs that can grow into chicks. 

More and more people are keeping chickens in their yards these days because they want fresh eggs, to help the environment, and to make sure they always have food. 

Modern keepers also have access to better food formulas, better coop design, and inexpensive LED lighting systems that help keep chickens laying eggs all year long.

2. Exact Age: When Pullets Reach the Egg-Laying Point

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“Exactly when will my hens start laying eggs?” is a question that many people who have never had chickens before ask. The answer is different for each pullet, but most of them start laying eggs between 16 and 24 weeks old. 

“Point of lay” is the name for this step. It’s the time when a young hen is sexually mature and her reproductive system is ready to lay eggs. In many backyard flocks, this happens between 18 and 20 weeks. However, breeds that are heavier or grow more slowly may need closer to six months. 

However, age alone doesn’t determine how many eggs a female lays. Before they lay eggs, chickens need to be the right weight, be healthy, and get enough sunlight. 

Here is a general schedule that many backyard keepers follow.

Typical Egg-Laying Age Timeline

Age	What Happens
0–6 weeks	Chicks grow rapidly and develop feathers
6–12 weeks	Pullets become more independent
12–16 weeks	Hormones begin developing reproductive organs
16–20 weeks	Early-maturing breeds may start laying
20–24 weeks	Most backyard hens lay their first egg
24–28 weeks	Late-maturing breeds finally begin

Once a hen starts laying eggs, she might do it almost every day during her peak production period, which is usually her first year. 

Important things that determine when chickens begin laying eggs

These important things could make your chickens start later or earlier.

Factor	Effect on Laying Age	Tip
Breed	Hybrids mature faster	Choose early layers like Golden Comet
Daylight	Less than 14 hours delays laying	Use LED coop lights in winter
Nutrition	Poor feed slows development	Switch to 16% layer feed at ~16 weeks
Season	Winter-hatched chicks start later	Brood indoors with stable lighting
Stress	Illness or overcrowding delays laying	Provide calm coop environment

It’s very important to have good lighting. Chickens need 14–16 hours of light per day to produce egg hormones, so many keepers use coop lighting in winter. 

Hormones Cause Egg Laying

When chickens get enough sunlight, their pituitary gland activates their ovaries. The first egg forms because of this hormone surge. 

In simple terms, hens lay eggs when three things align: 

• Correct age
• Enough daylight
• Proper nutrition and health

Your pullets will usually start laying within a few weeks after those conditions are met.

3. 10 Signs That Your Chicken Is About to Lay Eggs Eventually

It can be fun and exciting to wait for your pullets to lay their first egg. Luckily, chickens usually show clear signs in their bodies and behaviors a few days or weeks before they start laying eggs. 

The hen’s reproductive hormones rise, which makes these signals happen. Her body is also getting ready to lay eggs.

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Here are 10 sure signs that your hen will soon lay her first egg.

1. Bright Red Comb and Wattles

A change in the color of the comb and wattle is one of the first signs. Young pullets usually have pale, small combs. 

As they get closer to laying age, hormones and more blood flow make the comb and wattles bigger, fuller, and a deep red color. 

This change is often seen about two to three weeks before the first egg hatches.

2. The Action of “Squatting”

The submissive squat is a classic way to tell when a hen is ready to mate. She might squat low to the ground with her wings spread out when you get close or touch her back.

This behavior shows that she is ready to mate, which means that she will soon be laying eggs. A squatting hen may lay her first egg within a week or two most of the time. 

Hens will act this way toward people even if there isn’t a rooster around.

3. Loud and Happy Egg Songs

When hens are about to lay their eggs, they often make a lot more noise. They might start to cluck or “sing” loudly.

Many people who keep birds in their yards call this behavior the “egg song” because it happens before or after laying an egg. After laying an egg, it’s how they talk to the rest of the flock.

4. Obsession With Nesting Boxes

As soon as the chickens get close to laying their first egg, they will start to be interested in the nesting boxes.

You might see them:

• Sitting in the nest
• Rearranging bedding
• Visiting the box repeatedly

This is basically them practicing before they lay their first egg. Some chicken keepers put fake eggs or golf balls in the nests to get the hens to use the boxes the right way. 

5. Increased Appetite

To make eggs, you need a lot of energy and nutrients. It is common for the hen to eat more as her body gets ready to lay eggs.

You might see your pullets eating more food or looking for extra treats like bugs and greens. This is why a lot of chicken keepers switch their birds to layer feed between 16 and 18 weeks.

6. Wider Pelvic Bones

One of the best ways to tell if a hen is about to lay eggs is by looking at her.

To make sure:

1. Take care of the chicken.
2. You can feel the two bones on either side of the vent.
3. With your fingers, measure the space.

Not yet laying if the bones are close to each other. Although, if you can fit two or three fingers between them, the hen is probably about to lay her eggs. 

Because the pelvis has to get bigger so the eggs can pass, it gets wider.

7. Drooped or Raised Tail

Many hens slightly raise or droop their tail feathers before laying. This position gives the egg more reproductive tract space.

These changes are subtle, but experienced chicken keepers notice them.

8. Restless Pacing

Before laying, pullets can be restless and curious. They may frequently explore nesting areas or scratch bedding in the coop.

Behavior usually begins a few days before the first egg.

9. Larger, Moist Vent

Changing the vent (egg-laying opening) is another sign. Chicken vents change as they approach laying age.

• Larger
• Softer
• Slightly moist

A small, tight vent indicates the hen hasn’t laid yet. 

10. Feather Wear Around the Vent

Some hens have slight vent feather thinning or wear before laying. This is because egg formation stretches and activates the area.

Although not all hens show this sign, it’s another sign of egg production.

What If Your Chicken Shows Only a Few Signs?

Each hen is unique. Some birds show all 10 signs before laying, while others show only three or four.

Breed matters too:

• Hybrid layers generally mature faster and with fewer warnings.
• Development is slower in heritage breeds.

Remember that your first egg is likely days or weeks away once you see multiple signs.

4. Top 10 Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds

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One of the most important things that will affect how early your chickens lay eggs and how many you’ll get each year is the breed you choose. 

Some breeds are genetically programmed to lay eggs almost every day, while others take longer to mature but are hardy or have unique egg colors.

These days, backyard flocks often have a mix of traditional heritage breeds and high-producing hybrid layers. 

Heritage breeds live longer and can handle a wider range of climates, while hybrid breeds tend to lay eggs earlier and more often.

White Leghorns, for instance, can lay between 280 and 320 eggs a year, which makes them one of the world’s most productive egg-laying chickens.

In the same way, ISA Brown hens can lay about 300 eggs a year, which is why many commercial egg farms use them. 

Here is a helpful comparison of 10 egg-laying breeds that can be used in backyard flocks in.

Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds Comparison

Breed	Start (Weeks)	Eggs/Year	Egg Color / Size	Advantage	Drawback
Leghorn	16–18	300+	White / Large	Extremely productive	Flighty temperament
Rhode Island Red	18–20	250–300	Brown / Large	Hardy and adaptable	Can be aggressive
Easter Egger	20–25	200–250	Blue / Medium	Colorful eggs	Production varies
Golden Comet	16–18	300+	Brown / Large	Early maturity	Shorter lifespan
Plymouth Rock	20–22	250–280	Brown / Large	Friendly for families	Can become broody
Australorp	20–24	250–300	Brown / Large	Record egg layers	High feed intake
Araucana	22–26	150–200	Blue / Medium	Unique eggs	Lower production
Wyandotte	22–26	200–240	Brown / Medium	Beautiful plumage	Sensitive to heat
ISA Brown	18–20	~300	Brown / Large	Reliable hybrid layer	Hybrid traits fade
Sussex	20–24	~250	Cream / Large	Dual-purpose bird	Can be noisy

Quick Breed Selection Tips

Hybrids like ISA Brown and Golden Comet mature quickly and lay frequently, making them ideal for egg production.

For hardy backyard birds, choose Rhode Island Red or Australorp. In different climates, these chickens lay lots of eggs.

Easter Eggers and Araucanas lay blue or green eggs, making your egg basket more colorful.

Climate-resilient breeds are another trend. Leghorns are popular in hot climates because they tolerate heat, while Plymouth Rocks are preferred in colder climates.

How Many Eggs Should You Expect?

Most healthy laying hens can lay 250 eggs per year in their prime, especially in their first two seasons. 

After two years, production declines, but many hens lay fewer eggs for years.

5. Egg-Laying Daily Rhythm: Time, Frequency, and Production Boosters

As your hens lay, you may notice a fascinating pattern: they rarely lay at the same time every day. Since egg formation takes 24–26 hours, this happens. 

After forming the yolk, egg white, and egg shape, the hen builds the hard calcium shell. Because the cycle is slightly longer than a full day, the hen lays later each day until she skips a day and resets the cycle. 

Daily Egg Production Pattern

Most backyard hens follow a rhythm similar to this:

Time of Day	What Happens
Early morning	Hormones trigger egg movement in the oviduct
Late morning – early afternoon	Most hens lay eggs
Evening	Next egg begins forming inside the body
Night	Eggshell hardens using calcium

Most flocks lay most eggs before 2 PM, so experienced keepers collect them in the afternoon.

How Many Eggs Can a Hen Lay?

A healthy hen can lay one egg per day at peak production, producing 250–300 eggs per year depending on breed and care. 

Due to their 26-hour cycle, chickens sometimes skip days.

The Most Important Egg-Production Booster: Light

Because it controls reproduction hormones, light is crucial to egg production. Chickens start laying at 14 hours of daylight and produce the most eggs at 16 hours. 

Modern backyard keepers use automatic LED coop lights in winter to maintain light and production.

Other Factors That Boost Egg Production

Other factors than lighting boost egg production:

• Balanced (16–18% protein) layer feed
• Oyster shells provide calcium.
• Clear nesting boxes
• Low-stress setting
• Hot weather ventilation

These conditions allow hens to lay eggs daily throughout their peak years.

6. First Eggs: Size, Shape, and Common Problems

When your hen lays her first egg, it may look odd. The first eggs from young hens are called “pullet eggs,” and they are smaller than normal eggs because the reproductive system is still adjusting. 

Pullet eggs weigh 35 grams, much less than store-bought large eggs. 

Why First Eggs Are Often Small

Young hens are still learning how to regulate ovulation and egg formation. Over the next few weeks, the hen matures and the eggs grow and become more consistent.

Within 4–6 weeks of the first egg appearing, most backyard keepers notice eggs full size.

Why Soft or Thin Shells Sometimes Happen

Eggs with thin or soft shells are another surprise. This usually occurs when the hen’s shell-forming system is still developing. Until their calcium metabolism balances, young hens may lay soft eggs. 

Other causes of soft shells are:

• Lack of calcium
• Illness or stress
• Temperature stress
• Poor diet

Oyster shells and layer feed usually solve this problem quickly.

Double Yolks and “Fairy Eggs”

New layers can produce double-yolk eggs by releasing two yolks at once and enclosing them in one shell. 

Fairy eggs are tiny yolkless eggs laid by hens. The reproductive system is making early attempts before synchronization. 

Within the first few weeks of laying, both egg types are normal and usually disappear as the hen’s cycle stabilizes.

7. Troubleshooting: No Eggs Yet? Soft Shells?

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Sometimes chickens reach the expected laying age but don’t lay eggs or the eggs have soft shells. Backyard chicken keepers often experience this, but identifying the cause usually fixes the problem.

Egg production depends on light, nutrition, stress, disease, and age. Understanding these causes will help you fix issues quickly and keep your hens laying.

Common Egg-Laying Problems and Solutions

Problem	Possible Cause	Simple Fix
No eggs at 24–28 weeks	Not enough daylight	Add coop lighting to reach 14–16 hours
Soft shells	Low calcium intake	Provide oyster shells or calcium supplements
Thin shells	Poor nutrition or heat stress	Improve feed and ventilation
Sudden stop in laying	Stress or predator fear	Reduce noise and protect the coop
Few eggs in summer	Heat stress	Provide shade and cool water

These issues are very common in backyard flocks and can usually be corrected with simple management changes.

1. Lack of Light

Lighting is a key factor in egg production. Because their hormones depend on the length of the day, hens may lay fewer eggs or not at all when the days get shorter. 

Most hens need between 14 and 16 hours of light each day to keep laying eggs. In the winter, adding a small LED light to the coop often gets the chickens to lay again.

2. Stress in the Coop

Animals like chickens are sensitive, and stress can quickly stop them from laying eggs. Hens may stop laying if there are loud noises, too many birds in the coop, attacks by predators, or sudden changes in the coop. 

To reduce stress:

• Keep the coop quiet and clean.
• Do not overcrowd.
• Keep predators away from the hens.
• Keep a routine.

Egg production usually resumes when hens feel safe.

3. Poor Nutrition

Egg production requires lots of protein, calcium, and vitamins. Hens may delay laying or lay weak eggs without proper nutrition.

Egg production is maintained by a quality layer feed with 16–18% protein. Crushed oyster shells add calcium for strong eggshells.

4. Heat Stress

Egg production drops significantly at high temperatures. Overheated chickens focus on cooling rather than laying eggs. 

Under heat stress, hens eat less and absorb less calcium, resulting in thin eggshells.

Heat stress prevention:

• Provide run shade.
• A constant supply of cool water.
• Enhance coop ventilation.

5. Disease, Parasites, Worms

Another common reason for late laying is illness. Diseases, parasites, and worms weaken hens and reduce egg production.

Signs of illness include:

• Weight loss
• Pale combs
• Diarrhea
• Low activity

Health checks, sanitation, and deworming can keep a flock healthy.

8. When Chickens Stop Laying Eggs + Revival Tips

Even the best hens will stop laying eggs. Hens lay the most eggs in their first 1–2 years in most backyard flocks. 

Egg production naturally declines after 2–3 years as the hen ages and her reproductive system becomes less active.

Many hens lay occasional eggs for years, but production may drop. The majority of chickens stop laying eggs by 6–8 years. 

Older hens produce fewer eggs each year during “henopause.” 

Why Chickens Temporarily Stop Laying

Young hens may temporarily stop laying eggs due to:

• Molting (feather shedding)
• Short winter daylight
• Stress or illness
• Poor nutrition

Hens stop laying for weeks during annual molting to regrow feathers.

Simple Ways to Boost Egg Production Again

If your hens suddenly stop laying, try these proven fixes:

• Provide 14–16 winter hours of light.
• Select high-quality layer feed (16–18% protein).
• Provide calcium supplements like oyster shells.
• Keep the coop clean and reduce stress.
• Improve digestion with probiotics

These steps usually restore egg production in hens within their productive laying years.

9. Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Keepers

These egg-laying questions are common among new chicken keepers.

10. Conclusion

One of the best things about keeping chickens in your backyard is that you can get eggs from them. Depending on breed, nutrition, and daylight, most hens lay their first eggs between 16 and 24 weeks. 

In their prime years, hens may lay nearly one egg per day, especially in the first two. However, egg production declines with age. Backyard hens typically lay for 3–4 years, but they can live 6–8 years with proper care. 

Remember these egg production factors if you’re waiting for your first:

• Choose early-laying breeds
• Provide balanced layer feed with enough calcium
• Ensure 14–16 hours of daily light
• Keep your flock healthy and stress-free

With these conditions, your chickens will start laying soon, and fresh eggs may become a daily treat.

The most crucial advice for new chicken keepers is patience. One hen may lay weeks before another because pullets develop at different rates. However, the flock usually follows the first egg.

For backyard chickens, the 10 signs above help you to know when your chickens start laying eggs.