When Will My Hens Start Laying?

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The age at which a hen starts laying eggs can vary depending on the breed of chicken and the conditions in which they are raised. Generally, most hens will begin laying eggs at around 18-22 weeks of age, however, some breeds like Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, and Rhode Island Red tend to start laying at around 16-18 weeks.

Factors that can affect the age at which a hen starts laying eggs include:

  1. Genetics: Different breeds of chickens have varying ages at which they start laying eggs. Heritage breeds like Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red tend to start laying earlier than commercial breeds like Leghorn.

  2. Nutrition: A well-balanced diet with the appropriate amount of protein and calcium can help hens reach maturity faster and start laying eggs earlier.

  3. Lighting: Chickens are naturally triggered to lay eggs by the length of daylight. If the chickens are exposed to artificial light during the night, they may start laying eggs earlier than if they were exposed to natural daylight only.

  4. Living Conditions: Proper living conditions, such as a clean, dry coop and run, can help chickens reach maturity faster and start laying eggs earlier.

It's worth noting that after the first egg laid, hens will lay eggs every 25-27 hours, and it's common for them to lay an egg almost every day once they start laying.

In conclusion, the age at which a hen starts laying eggs can vary depending on the breed of chicken and the conditions in which they are raised. Most hens will begin laying eggs at around 18-22 weeks of age, but the age can be affected by genetics, nutrition, lighting, and living conditions.


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