Does egg-laying age differ by breed?

[PunkinPeep]

I've read some people's chickens who start laying at 16 weeks or before and others who don't start until 24 weeks or later. That's a HUGE difference.

What's the difference? Is it breed, environmental conditions, what?

 

[debakadeb]

I think it is the breed. My sexlinks laid far quicker than my cochin.

 

[Mahonri]

Every breed is different.

The Egg laying machines like Red and Black sex links, BR, RIR etc... usually start at about 20 weeks.

EEs, Ameraucanas... I have a blue ameraucana that is 9 months old and has yet to lay an egg.

 

[SpringChickens]

Breed plays a large role, as well as individual genetics. I think a lot of hatchery chickens tend to lay earlier because they are more production oriented. I believe that chickens fed a higher protein feed will layer slightly earlier, as well.