When do they start laying eggs?

[Tmcmullen]

How old are hens when they start laying? I have 5 that are about 5 months old. Also, do I need to put a light in their coop to extend the "daylight" hours?

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

20 weeks is the average age for hens to begin laying, but remember, it depends on the breed. Some breeds can take much longer.

Artificial lighting does help greatly, during the winter months. Hens need quite alot of daylight (or artificial light) in order to lay.

What breed do you have?

Sharon

 

[Kevin565]

In general larger breeds tend to mature slower than smaller breeds. Also due to the time of year many hens won't start laying until spring depending on your location.