Chickens generally start laying eggs around 18 weeks to 6 months of age, with the average being about 5 to 6 months (roughly 20-24 weeks). Some egg-laying breeds may start as early as 16 to 18 weeks, while heritage or dual-purpose breeds can take longer, sometimes up to 8 months. The time of year also affects when hens start laying, as they need sufficient daylight (usually 12-14 hours) to trigger egg production. Chickens born in late summer or fall may wait until spring to start laying due to shorter daylight hours in winter. Furthermore, stress and environmental conditions can delay egg-laying. In summary:
- Most chickens start laying eggs at about 5-6 months old.
- Production breeds can start earlier (16-18 weeks).
- Heritage breeds may start later, close to 28 weeks or more.
- Daylight and season significantly impact laying onset.
- Stress or changes in environment can delay laying.
This range and factors to consider help explain why the exact timing varies for different chickens.
