How Old Are Chickens When They Start Laying Eggs?

One of the most exciting moments as a chicken keeper is collecting your very first home-laid egg. But when exactly should you expect that to happen? If you’ve just brought home a group of young hens, you might be wondering how old chickens are when they start laying eggs, and how to tell when they’re nearly ready. In this guide, I’ll explain when most chickens begin laying, the signs to look for, and how to help your birds thrive as they reach that stage.

Most chickens start laying at around 18 to 22 weeks

For most breeds, you’ll be looking at about five to six months of age. Hybrid layers like Warrens, ISA Browns and Lohmann Browns often begin laying earlier, sometimes from just 16 weeks. Traditional pure breeds such as Orpingtons or Marans often take a little longer, sometimes as late as 24 to 28 weeks.

Of course, while these are typical ages, every hen is different; some naturally start earlier or later than others. That’s just how biology works.

Signs your chickens are getting close to laying

You’ll usually notice a few behavioural and physical changes just before laying starts. A young hen under a year old is known as a pullet, and this is the stage where she’ll show signs of readiness. These include:

• Redder combs and wattles – They become fuller and darker as your hen reaches maturity
• Crouching when approached – This is a common reflex that means the hens are hormonally ready to mate and lay
• Increased noise and activity – Pullets often get louder and more curious just before laying
• Nest box exploration – They may scratch around or sit in the boxes, getting a feel for the space
• Slight changes in appetite or droppings – I find hens tend to eat more steadily and produce firmer droppings as they settle

The squat is the big giveaway. I’ve never had a hen lay without doing it at least once or twice in the days beforehand.

Breed plays a big role

The breed you choose will influence how soon you’ll see eggs. Commercial layers are bred for early productivity and will usually get going by 18 weeks. Heavier or ornamental breeds, such as Brahmas, Silkies or Faverolles, tend to mature slowly and lay later.

Bantams are even more unpredictable. I’ve had some wait until spring despite being the right age in winter. Daylight really matters to them, which leads us to…

Day length and season can delay laying

Even if your chicken is old enough to start laying, short winter days can hold them back. Chickens rely on light cues to trigger laying hormones, and fewer than 14 hours of daylight often slows or stops the cycle.

I’ve learned not to expect any eggs from autumn-hatched pullets until the following spring. If you want consistent winter eggs, it’s best to raise your flock in spring or early summer.

Help your chickens get off to a good start

Supporting your hens through this transition is mostly about consistency. Here’s what I recommend:

• Switch to layers’ pellets at 16–18 weeks, or as soon as you notice red wattles or squatting
• Provide grit or access to mixed grit, especially if they’re eating anything beyond pellets
• Get your nest boxes set up in advance. Clean bedding and a fake egg can help them figure it out
• Avoid stress. No big changes, no new birds, no moving the coop
• Fresh water, daily checks and a calm routine. It’s basic, but it makes all the difference

If I’ve ever had a pullet go off-lay or delay laying, it’s almost always been tied to a change in feed or stress from introductions.

Not laying yet? Here’s what to check

If your hens are six months old and still not producing eggs, don’t panic. Run through this checklist:

• Are they a late-laying breed?
• Are they healthy and active?
• Is it winter, or are daylight hours low?
• Is their feed right for laying hens?
• Could they be laying outside the coop?

One spring, I spent a week wondering why our top hen hadn’t laid, until we found five eggs stashed in a hollow behind the compost bin. If in doubt, keep them confined to the run for a few days with nest box access only.

Summary

Chickens typically begin laying eggs between 18 and 22 weeks of age, but the exact timing depends on breed, daylight and care. By watching for physical signs and giving them the right support, you’ll soon be enjoying the first eggs from your own hens. It’s a milestone worth the wait and one that’s easy to manage with a bit of knowledge and patience.