Official BYC Poll: When Did Your Hen/s Begin Laying Eggs?

[BYC Project Manager]

The question of "When will my hen/s start laying?" comes up frequently on the forum. There are so many factors to consider, such as breed, diet, etc. As a result, we would like you to share your experiences about what to expect from the different breeds and when.

We'd like you to place your vote above by telling us the age at which your hen/s started laying eggs and to reply to the thread with what breed/s they are.

Further Reading:

• Why are my hens not laying?
• Egg production and how to get the most from your laying hens
• Interesting Facts About Chicken Eggs

(Check out more Official BYC Polls HERE!)

 

[Silkie Princess]

There is no ,,I have too many chickens and I've no clue either" option

 

[K0k0shka]

All of mine have started at over 30 weeks old. I have DSL Barnevelders and English Orpingtons of assorted colors. The second generation of Orps are 10 months old now and still no eggs! The others stopped really early for molt/winter, too, and rested for half a year. Not the most productive chickens, but they are pets and make up for it with personality and cuddliness, so it all works out.

 

[Perris]

Most of mine have been around the 6 month mark, and in the worst case I had to wait 11 months! They are heritage and rare breeds so I don't expect production breed output, and am happy as long as they're healthy, and ideally lay in a coop not under a bush, so that I can find them

 

[Mrs J]

My polish girls have started laying first. Which is odd because they are known for being late layers they are 5 months old and have been laying these last few weeks.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

I have EEs, Wyandottes, RIRs, Buff Orpingtons, Marans, ISA Browns & a few Mixed.
The ISAs & EEs began laying at 18 weeks.
Marans & Buffs at 19 weeks.
Wyandottes & RIRs & mixed at 20 weeks.
All young birds eggs started small then gradually became larger, & they laid every other day, gradually becoming regular.

My older hens took a molting & winter egg laying break but started laying big beautiful eggs 1st week of January.

 

[OzarkChooks]

My Australorp and Orpingtons laid their first eggs very early. My brahmas, however, have only just now started to lay at 7 months.

 

[Sally PB]

My first chicks (Black Australorps) began laying at 19 and 20 weeks. My second batch (Blue Jersey Giants) started at 24 and 25 weeks, except for the freeloader (Jubilee Orpington) who is at 36 weeks and counting!

 

[PippinTheChicken]

I have silkies.
2 of my hens laid at around 24-26wks
One hen at 22wks
And the other around that age as well

 

[Iluveggers]

First two laid at 22 weeks right after winter solstice! All the rest have started since then, except we are waiting on one of our Easter Eggers, it will be 30 weeks this week.