Jake Harper
There are several ways to tell when your chicken will start laying eggs. Firstly, the breed of your chicken is a significant factor, with certain breeds known to start laying eggs earlier than others. For example, Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, and Leghorns are early layers, while Brahmas and Orpingtons take longer to mature. Typically, chickens start laying eggs when they are around six months old, but this can vary between 16 and 40 weeks. Another factor is the time of year, as egg production usually occurs in spring and summer, slows in autumn, and reduces significantly in winter. As chickens mature and prepare to lay eggs, they undergo physical changes, such as full-grown feathers and swollen, red combs and wattles. They may also exhibit behavioural changes, such as increased interest in nesting boxes, a submissive squat, and a more settled demeanour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 16-24 weeks, around 6 months old |
| Physical appearance | Full-grown, with clean, full feathers; swollen, red combs and wattles |
| Behaviour | Increased interest in nesting boxes; squatting; rooting around in the nesting box; reduced flightiness |
| Diet | Increased appetite; transition to layer feed with calcium supplements |
| Season | Typically in spring and summer, slowing down in fall and reducing in winter |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken breed
The age at which a chicken starts laying eggs depends on several factors, including breed, time of year, and individual characteristics. On average, chickens start laying eggs at around six months old, or 20 to 22 weeks. However, some chickens may start as early as 16 to 18 weeks, while others may take up to 28 to 32 weeks or even longer.
Breeds that are historically bred for egg production, such as Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps, tend to start laying eggs earlier, typically around 16 to 18 weeks old. Rhode Island Reds are known for their high production and can lay up to one egg every other day during their first few winters. ISA Browns, Red Stars, and Golden Comets also fall into this category and usually start laying at around five months.
On the other hand, heavier breeds like Wyandottes, Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Barred Rocks take longer to mature and may not start laying until around six months or even later. Heritage breeds, in particular, can take closer to eight months to reach production maturity, but they tend to have longer productive lifespans and are less prone to production-related issues.
Signs That Your Chicken Will Start Laying Soon
There are some physical and behavioural signs that indicate a chicken will start laying eggs soon:
- Increased appetite: A chicken that is about to start laying will eat more to meet the energy demands of egg production.
- Interest in nesting boxes: Chickens may show more interest in the nesting boxes, checking them out and adjusting the bedding to suit their preferences.
- Submissive squatting: This behaviour indicates that the chicken is ready to mate and will soon be ready to lay eggs.
- Physical changes: The chicken's body will fill out, with a wider and softer chest, and deeper body. Their feathers will become glossy, and their combs and wattles will be bright red and fully grown.
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Physical changes
There are several physical changes that indicate when a chicken will start laying eggs. Firstly, they will be fully grown, with clean, full, glossy adult feathers. Their combs and wattles will also undergo changes; they will swell and turn a deep red colour, indicating an increase in hormones. This change in pigmentation usually occurs a couple of weeks before the hen starts laying.
Another physical change is observed in the pelvis bones of the chicken. As the hen matures, its pelvis bones begin to separate, which can be felt with your fingers below the vent on both sides. If there is space for three to four fingers, the hen is likely ready to lay eggs. Additionally, you may notice a change in the hen's appetite as it will eat more to meet the increased energy demands of egg production.
Behavioural clues also provide insight into when a chicken will start laying. One notable behaviour is the "submissive squat", where the hen stops, squats, and slightly spreads its wings to signal readiness for fertilisation. This behaviour is directed towards roosters, but in their absence, the hen may perform the squat towards humans, particularly when approached or petted.
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Behavioural changes
Another behavioural change to look out for is an increased interest in the rooster. If you have a rooster in your flock, you may notice your hen seeking out his company more frequently. This behaviour is driven by the hen's innate desire to produce fertile eggs and continue the flock's lineage.
Additionally, you may observe your hen exhibiting "squatting" behaviour, which is a sign of mating readiness. This involves the hen spreading its wings and legs and pressing its back downward. Even if there is no rooster present, this behaviour indicates that the hen is ready to start laying eggs.
Your hen may also start spending more time in the nesting area, meticulously inspecting and rearranging the bedding to create the perfect egg-laying spot. This behaviour can occur days or even weeks before the hen actually starts laying eggs.
Finally, you may notice changes in the social interactions within the flock. For example, your hen may start to hang out with other hens that are laying eggs, learning from them and joining them in the nesting boxes. These behavioural changes, along with physical changes, can help you predict when your chicken is ready to start laying eggs.
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Age
The age of a chicken is one of the most significant factors in determining when it will start laying eggs. Typically, a hen starts laying eggs when its body is ready, and this depends on several factors, including breed, hormones, health, lighting, temperature, stress, and diet.
On average, young female chickens start laying eggs or "come into lay" around 6 months of age. Some chickens may start laying eggs as early as 16 to 18 weeks old, while others may take up to 28 to 32 weeks (closer to 8 months old). The breed of chicken plays a crucial role in determining the age at which they start laying. Chickens that have historically been bred for egg production, such as Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps, often start laying eggs earlier, typically between 17 and 18 weeks old. On the other hand, heavier and slower-to-mature breeds like Wyandottes, Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Barred Rocks take longer to reach maturity and may not start laying until 24 weeks or more.
It is important to note that the time of year can also influence when a chicken starts laying. Egg production in chickens typically occurs in the spring and summer months, slows down in the fall, and significantly reduces in the winter. This seasonal variation is due to the chicken's internal clock, which tells the hen to conserve energy and stay warm during the colder months. Therefore, if a hen reaches laying age in the fall or winter, she may not lay her first egg until the following spring when the days become longer.
As a young hen matures and gets closer to laying age, you may observe several physical and behavioural changes. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Increased appetite: As egg-laying takes a lot of energy, you may notice your maturing hen eating more than usual. This is the time to transition to a layer feed, usually around 18 weeks of age, to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients like protein and calcium.
- Full-grown feathers: A hen that is ready to lay will have glossy adult feathers, and you won't see any signs of the awkward teenage chicken feathers.
- Comb and wattle colour: The comb and wattles of a mature hen will be fully pigmented and swollen to their final size. They will turn a deep red colour (or the breed's specific colour) due to the flush of hormones.
- Pelvis bones separation: You can feel the area slightly below the hen's vent on the right and left sides. If you can fit three to four fingers in that space, it indicates that the pelvis bones are separating, and the hen is ready to lay.
- Squatting behaviour: The "submissive squat" is a tell-tale sign that a hen is ready to be mounted by a rooster to fertilize her forthcoming eggs. If there is no rooster around, she may perform this squatting behaviour towards humans, especially when approached or petted.
- Interest in nesting boxes: A hen that is close to laying will show increased interest in the nesting boxes and may even sit inside to test them out. You may notice circular prints in the straw or bedding, indicating that she has been making her nest.
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Time of year
The time of year is an important consideration when trying to determine when your chicken will lay eggs. Typically, egg production in chickens occurs in the spring and summer months, slows down in the autumn, and reduces significantly in the winter. This change is because the chicken's internal clock tells the hen it's time for a break and to conserve energy to stay warm and healthy during the winter.
Young hens may wait until the days get longer in the spring to lay their first egg. Without supplemental light, they may delay laying until spring. Therefore, if your hen reaches laying age in the autumn or winter, she may not produce her first eggs until the following spring.
The time of year when your chickens start laying eggs will also depend on their breed. Chickens that have historically been bred for egg production often start laying eggs sooner, including Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds, and Australorps. On the other hand, heavier breeds like Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and Barred Rocks take longer to reach maturity and start laying eggs.
The age at which a hen starts laying eggs is also influenced by factors such as hormones, health, lighting, temperatures, stress, and diet. It's important to provide them with a happy, healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet to encourage egg-laying.
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Frequently asked questions
Your chicken will have glossy adult feathers, a full-grown comb and wattle, and a full chest. Their pelvis bones will also begin to separate, which you can feel with your fingers below their vent.
Smaller or newer chicken breeds tend to lay eggs earlier (starting at 16-18 weeks), while larger or heritage breeds take longer to reach maturity (24 weeks or more). Breeds that start laying early include Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Golden Comets, Sex Links, and Easter Eggers. Breeds that take longer to mature include Brahmas, Wyandottes, Orpingtons, and Barred Rocks.
Your chicken may exhibit the "submissive squat", where it stops, squats, and puts its wings out slightly to its sides. It may also show increased interest in nesting boxes, eat more than usual, and sing and squawk more frequently.
