What Is Point of Lay in Chickens?

Point of lay, often shortened to POL, describes a young hen, called a pullet, that is approaching the age when she will start laying eggs. For most breeds this falls around 18 to 22 weeks of age. A point-of-lay pullet has not necessarily laid an egg yet, but she is close, with a maturing comb and wattles and developing reproductive system. Buying birds at point of lay is popular because you skip the brooder stage and the wait, and you should see your first eggs within a few weeks of bringing them home.

Most hens begin laying between 18 and 22 weeks of age, though it varies by breed, season, and the individual bird. Lighter laying breeds like Leghorns and many hybrids often start on the earlier side, around 16 to 18 weeks, while larger dual-purpose and heritage breeds may not lay until 24 to 28 weeks or more. Daylight matters too: pullets reaching maturity as days shorten in fall may hold off until spring. The first eggs are usually small and may come irregularly before the hen hits a steady rhythm.

Several signs show a pullet is nearing her first egg. Her comb and wattles grow larger and turn a brighter, deeper red. She starts investigating nest boxes, scratching and arranging bedding, and may practice sitting in them. Many pullets begin a squatting or crouching posture when you approach, a submissive stance tied to maturity. Appetite often rises, and she may become more vocal. When you see the reddening comb plus nest box interest and squatting, the first egg is usually only days to a couple of weeks away.

Transition point-of-lay pullets onto a complete layer feed, which provides the extra calcium needed for strong eggshells, around the time they start laying or reach about 18 weeks. Switching too early can give excess calcium to birds not yet laying, so many keepers time the change to the first eggs or the 18-week mark. Always offer a separate dish of crushed oyster shell so hens can top up calcium as needed, and provide grit if they eat anything other than complete feed. Keep fresh water available at all times.

Several things delay the first egg. Shorter daylight in fall and winter is the biggest, since hens need roughly 14 to 16 hours of light to lay well. Breed matters too, as heritage and larger breeds mature later than hybrids. Stress from a recent move, predators, parasites, crowding, or extreme heat can also push back the start. Diet plays a part, so make sure they are on a proper feed. Give a healthy point-of-lay pullet a few patient weeks, good conditions, and adequate light, and eggs usually follow.

It depends on your goals. Point-of-lay pullets cost more per bird but skip the brooder stage, the heat-lamp weeks, and the months of waiting, giving you eggs within a few weeks. They are a great choice for beginners who want eggs sooner with less equipment. Day-old chicks are cheaper, let you raise birds from the start, and give a wider breed selection, but they need a brooder, careful temperature management, and 18 or more weeks before any eggs. Many keepers enjoy raising chicks despite the extra effort.

Once a point-of-lay pullet starts, she typically lays most heavily in her first one to two years, then production gradually declines each year as she ages. A well-cared-for hen may keep laying, more sparsely, for several years, and many live five to ten years overall. Expect a yearly pause during the fall molt and slower laying in winter without supplemental light. So a bird bought at point of lay gives you her best output right away, with a slow, natural tapering off over the seasons that follow.