there doesn't seem to be many HRIR Nelson line birds around here, it all seems to be the other lines. I haven't noticed when mine lay but I have some young pullets that I put out in the flock and will watch and see if they lay early. I just happened upon the Nelson line so can't compare any other lines like JimmyJay does. I am not set up to keep different lines so will stick with what I have. But love my Reds.I thought the nelson line was liked because they were a bit sooner to lay.