Lucas Delgado
Point-of-lay is a term used to describe a young hen that is about to start laying eggs. Generally, this occurs when the chicken is around 18-22 weeks old, but some chickens may start laying eggs as early as 16 weeks, while others may take up to 28-32 weeks. The time when a chicken starts laying eggs depends on various factors, including breed, environment, and individual bird characteristics. For example, Leghorns, Golden Comets, and Rhode Island Reds are known to start laying eggs earlier, while heavier breeds like Wyandottes and Orpingtons may take longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Point-of-lay is a term used to describe a young hen that will begin laying soon. |
| Age | Point-of-lay chickens are generally between 15 and 22 weeks old. Some sources state that the average age for a chicken to start laying eggs is around 6 months (22-28 weeks). |
| Physical Indicators | A hen is likely to start laying eggs when the gap between the pelvic bones is about 2-3 fingers wide. The comb turning tomato red is another indicator of maturity. |
| Behavioural Indicators | Hens may show more interest in the nesting box area, investigating it more or even sitting inside. They may also start to exhibit the submissive squat. |
| Egg Characteristics | The first few eggs may be irregular in size, with soft shells, no yolks, or double yolks. |
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What You'll Learn
Point-of-lay chickens are pullets about to lay their first egg
There are several indicators that a point-of-lay chicken is about to lay its first egg. One is the separation of the bones in the hen's pelvis. This can be checked by gently feeling the hen's rear for three separate bones. If the bones are close together, the hen is likely not ready to lay yet. Another indicator is the colour of the comb; when it turns tomato red, the hen is mature. In the weeks leading up to the first egg, a young hen may also show more interest in the nesting box area and may even test it out by sitting inside.
It's important to note that there is no exact science to determining when a chicken will start laying eggs. Even if you buy a point-of-lay chicken, it may still take a few days or weeks for it to start producing eggs. Additionally, the first few eggs may be irregular in size or have soft shells, no yolks, or double yolks.
To encourage egg-laying, it is recommended to provide a relatively private and safe area for the hens, as well as ensuring they have enough water, as dehydration can lead to illness or death. It is also important to provide the right nutrition for hens, including sufficient calcium, as this is key to the egg-laying process.
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The average age for a chicken to start laying is 6 months
The term "point of lay" is used to describe a young hen that will begin laying soon. Generally, a chicken will start laying eggs around 6 months of age. However, this can vary depending on the breed and the time of year. For example, some chickens may start laying as early as 16 to 18 weeks old, while others may take up to 28 to 32 weeks or even longer.
There are some physical indicators that a hen is about to start laying. One is the colour of the comb: when it turns a tomato red, she is mature. Another is to check the pelvis bones. If they are close together, the hen still has a few weeks to go. If the gap between the bones is about 2–3 fingers wide, she is ready to lay.
You can also encourage hens to lay by providing a relatively private and safe area with nesting boxes. It is also important to ensure they are getting enough water and are healthy.
If you buy a point-of-lay chicken, it may still take a few weeks for it to start laying. There is no exact date for when a chicken will start laying eggs, but if you buy one at point-of-lay, it should not be too far off.
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Chickens bred for egg production start laying sooner
Chickens bred for egg production start laying eggs sooner than other chickens, typically between 16 and 18 weeks of age. Point-of-lay chickens are pullets that are about to lay their first eggs. While the average hen starts laying eggs around six months of age, some purpose-bred chickens may start as early as four months (16 to 18 weeks).
The time when a chicken starts laying eggs depends on several factors, including breed and time of year. For example, Isa Browns may lay within their first 3-4 months, while Silkies may take longer. Heavier breeds like Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and Barred Rocks also tend to take longer to mature.
The first egg, sometimes called a fairy egg, is usually small and may have a soft shell. After a week or so, egg production becomes more consistent, with peak performance at about 30 weeks of age. Chickens bred for egg production will produce a high volume of eggs for the first two to three years of their lives, after which production may decrease significantly or stop altogether.
Dual-purpose chicken breeds, which are bred for both egg and meat production, usually start laying around 20 to 24 weeks of age. Heritage breeds, which are older breeds recognised by the American Poultry Association, take even longer to mature and may not start laying until 28 weeks or more. However, their genetics are more pure, so they often have longer productive lifespans and are less prone to production-related mortality.
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The chicken's breed influences when it starts laying
The age at which a chicken starts laying eggs depends on a variety of factors, including breed, environment, and individual characteristics. While age is a significant factor, with most chickens starting to lay eggs around 16 to 18 weeks old, the breed of the chicken also plays a crucial role.
Chicken breeds that have historically been bred for egg production, such as Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps, tend to start laying eggs earlier, typically between 17 to 18 weeks old. These breeds are known for their high egg production and are popular among those seeking self-sufficiency. On the other hand, heavier breeds, like Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and Barred Rocks, usually take a bit longer to start laying eggs.
The ISA Brown breed is known for its early laying capabilities, often producing eggs within the first 3 to 4 months of life. In contrast, the Silkie breed may take up to 9 months before laying their first egg. Rhode Island Reds are another productive breed, with each hen producing around one egg every other day during their first few winters.
Daylight hours also influence when chickens start laying. Longer days with at least 16 hours of light encourage hens to lay eggs. If a hen reaches maturity during the fall or winter with shorter daylight hours, supplemental lighting may be necessary to stimulate egg production. Additionally, reduced daylight hours in the winter can cause mature chickens to stop laying eggs, as they conserve energy and nutrients to prepare for the cold season.
Other factors that can impact the timing of a chicken's first egg include stress levels and nutrition. A stressed hen may delay laying eggs until she becomes settled in her environment. Proper nutrition, including adequate calcium levels, is also essential for egg-laying.
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There are tell-tale signs a chicken will soon start laying
A "point of lay" chicken is a term used to describe a young hen who is about to begin laying eggs. Generally, this occurs when the chicken is around 18-22 weeks old, but this can vary between 15 and 30 weeks of age depending on the breed and the time of year. For example, Isa Browns may lay within their first 3-4 months, while Silkies may take longer.
There are several tell-tale signs that a chicken will soon start laying:
Squatting behaviour
Also known as "the submissive squat", this is when a chicken squats and puts her wings out slightly to the sides. This is a signal that the chicken is ready and willing to be mounted by a rooster to fertilize her forthcoming eggs. If there is no rooster around, she may submit to a human instead. Not every chicken will squat, but it is a strong indicator that laying will begin within a week or two.
Spacing between pelvic bones
Checking the space between the pelvic bones is a definitive way to determine if a chicken is ready to lay. There should be a gap of about two to three fingers between the two sharp bones either side of the vent. If the gap is smaller, the chicken is not yet ready to lay, as the bones need to move apart to let an egg through.
Appearance of the comb
The comb is another indicator of readiness to lay. If it is small and pale pink, the hen is still very young. When it turns tomato red, she is mature and will soon start laying.
Nesting behaviour
Some chickens will start to show interest in their nesting area before they begin laying. They may spend time in the nesting box during the day or start to pick out a nesting spot.
Increased appetite
Laying eggs takes a lot of energy, so maturing chickens may start to eat more than usual. They will also have different nutritional needs, requiring slightly less protein and a little extra calcium for proper eggshell formation.
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Frequently asked questions
"Point of lay" is a term used to describe a young hen that will begin laying soon, typically around 6 months of age.
Point-of-lay chickens are typically between 15 and 22 weeks old. Some sources state that they can be as young as 15 weeks, while others suggest that they are closer to 18-22 weeks old.
It may take a few days or weeks for a point-of-lay chicken to start producing eggs. Some sources suggest that they should start laying within 4 weeks of arrival, while others state that it can take up to 25-30 weeks, depending on the breed and time of year.
