When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs? 3 Simple Ways To Tell
Determining When Your Chickens Will Start Laying Eggs
Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but one of the most exciting milestones is when your hens start laying their first eggs. As a new chicken owner, you may be eagerly anticipating this moment and wondering, “When do chickens start to lay eggs?” The answer can vary depending on the breed, but there are a few key signs to look for that will indicate your chickens are ready to begin egg production.
Method 1 – Age of the Chicken
The first way to tell if your chickens are ready to start laying eggs is by their age. The age at which chickens begin laying is very breed-specific. For example, Rhode Island Reds typically start laying between 18-20 weeks old, while Leghorns tend to start a bit earlier, between 16-18 weeks.
Paying close attention to the age of your flock is an important first step in determining when you can expect those first eggs.
| Breed | Age When Laying Starts |
|---|---|
| Leghorn | 16-18 weeks |
| Rhode Island Red | 18-20 weeks |
| Australorp | 22-24 weeks |
| Barred Plymouth Rock | 18-20 weeks |
| Buff Orpington | 22-24 weeks |
| ISA Brown | 16-18 weeks |
| Golden Comet | 16-18 weeks |
| Ameraucana | 18-20 weeks |
| Cochin | 20-22 weeks |
| Wyandotte | 22-24 weeks |
Method 2 – Comb and Wattle Development
Another key indicator of egg-laying readiness is the development of the chicken’s comb and wattle. The comb is the red, fleshy growth on the top of the chicken’s head, while the wattle is the dangling skin under the beak.
As a chicken approaches sexual maturity and egg production, these features will become more pronounced and vibrant in color.
Pay close attention to the color and size of your chickens’ combs and wattles. When they become a deep, rich red and appear larger and more pronounced, it’s a good sign your hens are nearing the start of their egg-laying cycle.
Method 3 – Squatting Behavior
The third way to tell if your chickens are ready to lay is by observing their behavior, specifically how they respond when you gently place your hand on their back. A hen that is nearing the start of egg production will often squat down, spreading her wings slightly, in a submissive posture.
This “squatting for acceptance” behavior indicates the hen is ready to be bred by a rooster, which is a precursor to egg-laying.
Keep a close eye on how your hens respond to this gentle back-touching test. The more they squat down and accept your hand, the closer they are to beginning their egg-laying cycle.
Preparing the Coop for Egg Laying
Once you’ve determined your chickens are nearing the start of egg production based on their age, comb/wattle development, and squatting behavior, it’s time to prepare the coop for their first eggs.
Some key steps:
- Blocking off the nesting boxes until the hens are ready to lay. This prevents them from making a mess in the boxes prematurely.
- Placing ceramic eggs in the nesting boxes. This helps the hens understand where they are supposed to lay their eggs.
- Removing the cardboard that was blocking access to the nesting boxes, so the hens can freely enter and exit as needed.
Taking these preparatory steps will make the transition to egg-laying as smooth as possible for your flock. By providing the proper nesting environment and cues, you can encourage your chickens to start laying in the right place from the very beginning.
What to Expect When Your Chickens Start Laying
Once your chickens do start laying their first eggs, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the eggs may not be completely consistent or “normal” looking at first. Initially, they may be small, have thin shells or odd shapes.
This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It’s just part of the egg-laying process as your hens get used to their new role. Over time, as they continue to lay, the eggs will become more uniform and consistent in size and quality.
It’s also important to note that a chicken’s egg production will peak around their third year, and then gradually decline as they get older. By years 4-5, egg production will start to trail off more significantly. However, chickens can live up to 12 years old, so even an “older” hen can still provide you with fresh eggs, just at a lower rate.
Feeding Your Chickens for Optimal Egg Production
To ensure your chickens are able to produce the best quality and quantity of eggs, it’s crucial to provide them with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Some key dietary considerations include:
- Calcium – Laying hens require a lot of calcium to produce strong eggshells. Supplement their feed with a calcium-rich source like crushed oyster shells.
- Minerals – Look for a complete layer feed that is fortified with essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
- Protein – Protein is crucial for egg production, so make sure your hens have access to a high-quality layer feed or protein-rich treats like mealworms.
- Fresh Water – Provide a clean, constant supply of fresh water to support overall hen health and egg quality.
By meeting your chickens’ nutritional needs, you can help maximize their egg production and ensure those first eggs are as healthy and robust as possible.
Building a Predator-Proof Chicken Run
One final consideration when preparing for your chickens to start laying is ensuring their living space is secure and predator-proof.
Protecting your flock from potential threats like foxes, coyotes, and even neighborhood dogs or cats is essential for the health and safety of your hens. Investing in a well-designed, sturdy chicken coop and run can give you peace of mind and allow your chickens to thrive as they begin their egg-laying journey.
With a little patience and by keeping an eye out for the key signs of egg-laying readiness, you’ll soon be collecting your first farm-fresh eggs from your backyard flock. Enjoy this exciting milestone and the delicious rewards of raising happy, healthy chickens!
