how old are chickens when they start laying

Chickens typically start laying eggs around 18 weeks of age, which is about 4 to 5 months old. This age can vary depending on the breed, with some production breeds starting as early as 16 weeks, while heritage breeds might take up to 6 to 8 months to begin laying. Factors such as diet, environment, season, and the chicken's health can also influence the exact time they begin laying eggs. On average, most backyard hens start laying between 18 and 22 weeks old.