Chickens typically start laying eggs around 18 to 22 weeks of age, which is about 4 to 6 months old, depending on the breed and individual factors
. Some breeds bred specifically for egg production can begin as early as 16 weeks, while heritage or dual-purpose breeds may start closer to 28 weeks or even 8 months
. Once a hen begins laying, she can produce nearly one egg per day, with the entire process of forming and laying an egg taking about 24 to 26 hours
. Egg production usually peaks around 30 weeks of age and can continue strongly through the first year, with up to 250 eggs expected from high- producing hens in ideal conditions
. After the first year, egg production gradually declines. In summary:
- Start of laying: Around 18-22 weeks (4-6 months), varies by breed
- Egg formation time: About 24-26 hours per egg
- Egg production rate: Nearly one egg per day during peak laying
- Peak production: Around 30 weeks old
- Annual egg count: Up to 250 eggs in the first year for prolific layers
These timelines can be influenced by breed, environment, nutrition, and light exposure
