Point of Lay Age by Breed: When Hens Start Laying
A point of lay chart by breed showing when popular chickens start laying eggs. Most hens begin at 18 to 22 weeks, with light breeds earlier and heavy breeds later.
Quick answer: Most hens reach point of lay, the age of their first egg, between 18 and 22 weeks (about 4 to 5 months). Light laying breeds like Leghorns and hybrids often start at 16 to 18 weeks, while heavy, slow-maturing breeds like Brahmas and Jersey Giants may wait until 24 to 28 weeks or longer. Day length, diet, and the season a pullet matures all shift the exact start. You do not need a rooster for hens to lay.
Use the chart below to estimate point of lay for popular breeds.
One of the most common questions new keepers ask is simply: when will I get my first egg? The honest answer is that it depends on the breed, the season, and the bird, but the chart below gives realistic ranges for popular backyard breeds so you know roughly what to expect and when to start looking in the nesting box.
Point of Lay Age by Breed
| Breed | Typical Point of Lay | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leghorn | 16 to 18 weeks | Light layer | Early, prolific white-egg layer |
| Golden Comet / hybrid sex-links | 16 to 18 weeks | Hybrid layer | Bred for early, heavy laying |
| Australorp | 18 to 20 weeks | Dual purpose | Reliable, steady layer |
| Rhode Island Red | 18 to 20 weeks | Dual purpose | Hardy, consistent brown eggs |
| Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock) | 18 to 20 weeks | Dual purpose | Friendly, dependable |
| Sussex | 18 to 20 weeks | Dual purpose | Good all-rounder |
| Easter Egger | 18 to 22 weeks | Layer | Blue or green eggs, varies by bird |
| Wyandotte | 18 to 22 weeks | Dual purpose | Cold-hardy, steady layer |
| Marans | 20 to 24 weeks | Dual purpose | Dark chocolate-brown eggs |
| Orpington | 20 to 24 weeks | Heavy, dual purpose | Large, slower to mature |
| Silkie | 20 to 25 weeks | Bantam / ornamental | Often broody, fewer eggs |
| Brahma | 24 to 28 weeks | Heavy breed | Large, slow-maturing |
| Jersey Giant | 24 to 28 weeks | Heavy breed | Largest breed, lays later |
Treat every figure as a range. A pullet that reaches maturity in late fall or winter may hold off until spring daylight returns, since laying is triggered by roughly 14 to 16 hours of light per day.
Signs Point of Lay Is Near
- Comb and wattles: grow larger and turn a brighter, fuller red.
- Squatting: the pullet crouches when you reach toward her back.
- Nest exploring: she investigates and rearranges nesting box bedding.
- Behavior: she becomes more vocal and mature in manner.
Help a Pullet Start Strong
As birds approach laying age, switch from grower to a complete layer feed so they get the calcium their bodies need to form shells, and keep oyster shell available separately. Provide clean, inviting nesting boxes lower than the roosts, collect eggs regularly, and minimize stress. Remember that the first eggs are often small and may be a little irregular before settling into the breed's normal size and rhythm within a few weeks.
These age ranges reflect widely used breed guidance, but individual birds, hatchery strains, climate, and season all play a part. If a healthy, well-fed pullet is far past the expected window with no eggs and no clear seasonal reason, consider parasites, stress, or illness, and consult a poultry or avian vet or your local extension office. This chart is educational and complements that guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do chickens start laying eggs?
Most backyard hens reach point of lay, the age of their first egg, between about 18 and 22 weeks, or roughly 4 to 5 months old. Lighter laying breeds like Leghorns and many hybrids often start on the earlier side, around 16 to 18 weeks, while large, heavy, or slow-maturing breeds like Brahmas, Orpingtons, and Jersey Giants may not lay until 24 to 28 weeks or later. Daylight, nutrition, breed, and the time of year a pullet hatches all shift the exact start, so treat any age as a range rather than a fixed date.
What is point of lay?
Point of lay is the stage when a young female chicken, called a pullet, is mature enough to begin laying eggs. It is also a common term used when buying birds: a point-of-lay pullet is one close to or just starting to lay, usually around 16 to 22 weeks. Signs a pullet is approaching point of lay include a reddening, fuller comb and wattles, a squatting posture when you reach toward her, exploring the nesting boxes, and more vocal, mature behavior. The first eggs are often small and may be irregular before settling into a steady rhythm.
Why is my pullet not laying yet?
If a pullet has passed the typical 18 to 22 week window without laying, the usual causes are breed, season, daylight, or diet. Heavy and slow-maturing breeds simply start later. Pullets that reach maturity in late fall or winter often wait to lay until daylight lengthens in spring, since laying is triggered by about 14 to 16 hours of light. A diet that is not a proper layer feed, stress, illness, parasites, or molt can also delay the first egg. Provide layer feed once birds near laying age, ensure clean nesting boxes, and be patient.
Do I need a rooster for my hens to lay eggs?
No. Hens lay eggs whether or not a rooster is present, just as the timing of point of lay is unrelated to having a male. A rooster is only needed if you want fertile eggs to hatch chicks. Without a rooster, your hens still lay the same number of eggs on the same schedule, and those eggs are perfectly good to eat. Many backyard keepers choose to keep no rooster, especially where crowing or local ordinances are a concern, with no effect on egg supply.
What are the first eggs from a pullet like?
A pullet's first eggs are typically small, sometimes called pullet eggs, and can be irregular for the first few weeks. You may occasionally see a tiny yolkless egg, a soft or wrinkled shell, or a double yolk as her reproductive system finds its rhythm. This is normal and usually settles within a month or so as eggs grow toward the breed's normal size. Make sure she has a complete layer feed with adequate calcium and access to oyster shell so shells form properly during this start-up period.
How can I tell a pullet is about to start laying?
Watch for a few classic signs in the weeks before the first egg. The comb and wattles grow larger and turn a brighter red as hormones rise. The pullet may adopt a submissive squat when you approach or place a hand over her back, which is a mating-ready posture. She will start investigating nesting boxes, scratching and arranging bedding, and may become more vocal. Once you see these signs, switch to layer feed if you have not already, keep nesting boxes clean and inviting, and the first egg is usually close.
Does the season a chick hatches affect when it lays?
Yes. Laying is strongly tied to day length, with hens needing roughly 14 to 16 hours of light to lay consistently. A pullet that reaches maturity in spring or summer often begins laying right on schedule at 18 to 22 weeks. One that matures in late autumn or winter may delay her first egg until the days lengthen again, even if she is otherwise old enough. Some keepers add supplemental coop lighting to encourage winter laying, while others let birds follow natural light, which gives the reproductive system a seasonal rest.
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