Chickens typically start laying eggs around 18 weeks of age, which is about 4 to 5 months old
. However, the exact age can vary depending on the breed, environment, and individual bird. Some hens may begin as early as 16 weeks, especially those bred for high egg production, while others, particularly heritage or larger breeds, may not start laying until 6 to 8 months or even up to a year in some cases
. Key points:
- Most hens lay their first egg around 18 weeks old
- Early-maturing breeds (e.g., White Leghorns, ISA Browns) can start laying as early as 16 weeks
- Heritage breeds and dual-purpose breeds often start later, around 20-28 weeks or more
- Daylight length and nutrition also influence when hens begin laying; hens need about 14-16 hours of light daily to maintain egg production
In summary, chickens generally need to be about 4 to 6 months old to start laying eggs, with breed and environmental factors causing some variation.
