Chickens typically start laying eggs when they are about 18 to 22 weeks old, which is roughly 4 to 6 months of age. Some breeds bred specifically for egg production may begin laying even earlier, around 4 months, while others might take up to 6 or 8 months to mature and start laying
. The exact timing depends on factors such as breed, environment, daylight hours, and individual bird maturity. For example, hens need about 16 hours of light daily to encourage egg laying, so shorter daylight in fall or winter may delay the first egg unless supplemental lighting is provided
. Once mature, a hen lays eggs almost daily, with the egg formation process taking about 24 to 26 hours from start to finish. This includes yolk development, egg white formation, shell formation, and laying
. In summary:
- Most chickens start laying eggs between 18 and 22 weeks (4.5 to 6 months).
- Early layers (some breeds) can start as early as 4 months.
- Some breeds may take up to 6-8 months.
- Daylight length and environment influence laying onset.
- Egg formation takes about 24-26 hours per egg.
This timeline reflects natural and common backyard chicken conditions.
