If you’re in a pinch for eggs, this article about when chickens start laying is here to save the day! Get the answers you need and continue with your egg-cellent plans. Let’s explore when do chickens start laying eggs!
When do Chickens Start Laying Eggs?
On average, chickens begin to produce eggs at 5-6 months or 18-24 weeks of age. Still, the timing for when a chicken starts laying can swing riding on many factors. Some of these facets are the breed and dietary habits, environmental factors, and even the season!
For example, the Leghorn is a breed famous for laying eggs as early as 16 weeks old. While others, like the Plymouth Rock, can take up to 7 months to begin laying eggs. If egg production is your intent, exploring breeds with higher capacity in this area is beneficial.
It’s essential to be mindful that certain chicken breeds begin laying eggs sooner than others, and a few may take more time. Further, egg production can drastically reduce or even pause during periods of stress for the birds and when they molt.
How Long Will Your Chicken Lay Eggs?
| Timeline | Number of Eggs |
| 18-24 Weeks (Start) | 180-200 |
| 24 Weeks to 1 Year (Peak Production) | 200-260 |
| 1-3 Years (Decline) | 180-200 |
| 3-5 Years (Retirement) | 0-100 |
As chickens reach 18 to 24 weeks, most will begin laying eggs. At first, these eggs may be smaller and irregularly shaped. But, with more egg laying, hens will lay larger and consistently formed eggs!
Chickens are at their peak egg-laying performance between 6 months and one year. Many breeds lay a single egg daily or almost every day. Some of the most prolific layers include Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red.
As chickens reach their prime, between 1 and 3 years of age, their egg-laying abilities will start to reduce. Statistically speaking, fewer eggs are produced weekly with smaller sizes than before—this is a natural event as the birds get older.
Finally, the chickens will stop laying eggs entirely at around three years old, and it’s time for them to retire.
It is vital to be aware that the egg-laying pattern can also vary due to several factors, such as breed, nutrition, lighting, and stress.
Chickens whose well-being is in optimal condition and who live in a safe environment will usually have long periods of laying eggs than those who don’t. We will further discuss these factors in the next section!
Factors That Affect Egg Laying of Chickens
Breed
Certain breeds of chickens are famous for their volume of egg production, such as Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds. They can boast up from 250 to 300 eggs a year. Contrarily, breeds such as Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons tend to lay fewer.
Seeking to maximize your egg output? Then opt for breeds that have been selectively bred specifically for their superior laying ability. As a general rule of thumb, larger chickens tend to lay fewer eggs than smaller ones.
Environment
Nurturing the right setting and giving your chickens can boost egg production. If the climate is too hot or cold for an extended period (such as winter or summer), it can hinder egg production.
Not only is the temperature critical for a successful egg-laying experience, but so are the surrounding moisture levels. Too much humidity or dryness could cause stress.
To ensure that your egg production is at its peak efficiency, they need regular exposure to sunlight. It’s because the hormones liable for controlling their egg-laying patterns are stimulated by light levels. By setting up a suitable lighting schedule for them, you can unlock the full potential of your flock and reap more eggs!
Stressful scenarios, such as overcrowding, can seriously reduce the egg production rate in hens. In fact, this has been known to cause a dramatic decrease in eggs produced.
For a healthy and happy lifestyle, chickens need plenty of room for movement. Not only does it provide them with the physical activity they deserve, but having enough space can also improve their well-being and egg production!
Nutrition
Nutrition is vital for a chicken to be able to produce eggs that are both healthy and abundant in quantity. For chickens to maximize egg production, their diet must be abundant in protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, and energy. If any of these essential elements are missing from their daily meals.
That said, boosting their calcium intake is vital for healthy eggs. You can do this with supplements or calcium-rich food.
Eating a well-balanced diet is the key to reducing your flock’s chances of acquiring illnesses. You can improve their immunity with sufficient nutrition. As a result, they are less vulnerable to viruses and infections.
How To Increase Chicken Egg Production?
There are several ways to increase egg production in chickens:
Lighting and Temperature
To encourage the highest egg production possible, make sure that the flock is exposed to 14-16 hours of light daily. It will regulate their hormones and promote healthy egg-laying habits. Moreover, keeping a uniform temperature in the coop reduces stress for your hens and increases output!
To reduce stress and increase egg production, take measures to minimize triggers such as overcrowded areas, unfamiliar settings, or disease-ridden environments.
Nutrition and Health
Develop a diet that supplies protein and calcium, which are optimal for eggshell formation. Augment the chicken’s meal with crushed eggshells or oyster shells to secure an adequate calcium intake.
To ensure that your egg production remains at its highest level, you must regularly inspect for any signs of sickness.
Age
It is advised to replace older hens with younger ones for improved egg production, as the former tend to produce fewer eggs over time. Moreover, consider cross-breeding high-production breeds to maximize your yields and increase output.
By utilizing these proven strategies, egg production in chickens can be maximized.
Can Chickens Lay Eggs without a Rooster?
Absolutely! A rooster isn’t needed for hens to lay eggs! Contrary to popular belief, chickens can produce eggs regardless of the presence of male chicks in the flock.
If the egg does not go fertilization, it will never transform into chick. To achieve that result, a rooster is essential for providing fertilization to create viable embryos capable of hatching and becoming baby birds.
No matter the presence of a rooster, hens are designed to lay eggs every 24-26 hours. When they fail to do so, it could be because of the factors we went over earlier. Fortunately, addressing anyone these issues can get them back on track with egg production!
Best Chicken Breed for Egg Laying
If you’re looking for particularly productive poultry when it comes to egg-laying, these chicken breeds will not disappoint. Check out some of the highest-yielding chicks available:
- California White: This is a hybrid breed that is known for its high egg production and ability to lay white eggs. California Whites can lay up to 320 eggs per year.
- Rhode Island Red: This chicken is an exemplary American breed renowned for its prodigious egg production. Indeed, these chickens can lay up to 300 eggs in a single year!
- Leghorn: The Italian Leghorn is well-known for its remarkable egg production, as it can lay up to 280 white eggs per year. This breed has established itself as a superior layer of high quality and quantity!
- Sussex: The Sussex hen, a British breed renowned for its egg-laying capacity and amiable personality, can produce up to 260 eggs annually—making it ideal for anyone looking to increase their flock’s output!
Looking to maximize your egg supply? Selecting a chicken breed renowned for its bountiful output is an effortless way to ensure that you have eggs readily available. Here are just several of the high-producing breeds on offer.
In Summary
With this article, we uncovered when chickens start laying as early as 18 weeks. Along with that are the proper care and breeds for your egg production. If you want to improve your flocks, check out our other articles!
