Egg Laying
When will my hens begin to produce eggs?
Most chickens begin laying eggs between 5 and 8 months of age, but timing can vary by breed, nutrition, health, daylight, and environment.
Average laying age
Your chickens should start to lay eggs between the ages of 5 and 8 months.
If you do not see any eggs by 8 months of age, there are several things you can check to help determine what may be delaying egg production.
How to check if a hen is close to laying
You can gently pick the hen up and feel between the two bones near her bottom.
If 3 fingers fit between the bones, she should be laying or very close to laying.
If only 2 fingers fit between the bones, she will usually start laying eggs within about 3–6 weeks.
5–8 Months
Most chickens begin laying between 5 and 8 months of age.
3 Finger Width
If 3 fingers fit between the bottom bones, the hen should be laying or close to laying.
2 Finger Width
If only 2 fingers fit, she will usually start laying within 3–6 weeks.
What should I check if my hens are not laying?
If your hens are around 8 months old and still not laying, review the following areas:
Nutrition
At laying age, hens should be eating egg pellets or crumble because it has the nutrients they need. Scratch can be given as a small daily treat and for exercise. Do not feed corn as the main feed.
Illness
Check your chickens for being lightweight, pale, or showing signs of worms, lice, or mite infestation.
Food & Water
Hens must have food and water available all day in order to produce eggs properly.
Fresh Air & Sunlight
Hens need fresh air and sunlight every day. Some people add a light during colder months, but do not leave it on all night because this can stress the birds.
Coop & Nesting Area
Hens do better with dry ground, a windbreak, a place to roost at night, and darker nesting areas.
Space
Hens do better when they are not overcrowded. On average, they need about 2–3 square feet per bird.
Too Many Roosters
Too many roosters can stress your hens and reduce laying. We recommend no more than 1 rooster for every 10–15 hens.
Predators or Egg Eating
Predators can be sneaky and may leave little to no sign. Hens may also eat eggs. If you suspect egg eating, you can use a ceramic egg to test them.
Watch for egg eating
If hens start eating their eggs, it can be very difficult to break the habit.
If you find a hen that is definitely eating eggs, you may want to consider removing her from the flock because she may teach the other hens to eat eggs as well.
Be careful with coop lighting
If you use a light in the coop during colder months, do not leave it on all night. Too much light can stress the birds and may lead to picking or illness.
Most hens begin laying between 5 and 8 months old. If they are not laying by 8 months, check nutrition, health, lighting, space, nesting areas, roosters, predators, and possible egg eating.