When will my hens start laying?

[mbford2711]

How long does it take for hens to start laying? I got my chicks around Easter and they all look full grown and ready to lay. I check every day and never find anything. Also, how can I make it more comfortable for them to lay? This is my first time with chickens. I LOVE having them and so do my kids. I can use all the advice you can give me.

 

[Chick Charm]

I recommend starting with the info tabs here on BYC. They are very helpful.

Some can begin to lay as early as 16 weeks old. Most at 5-6 months, some take more than a year.
A good coop with nest boxes available in a safe spot should make them comfortable enough. Some hens get finicky about where they lay but most follow the order of the majority.

Wish ya the best.

 

[mbford2711]

Thank you. I hope they start laying soon.

 

[dominique man]

With my Dominique's and Golden buffs the start time was around 20weeks give or take, but like stated before it greatly varies by breed

 

[Flybybirds]

My hens started at 18 week so, sort of. The eggs were a little soft the first two times for some. Then they became the normal hard shell. I gave them a egg laying supplement from Tractor Supply. Which also has omegas and other vitamins. As the hens became older the eggs became larger.
Good luck and just be patient.

 

[mbford2711]

Thanks. I will look into the egg laying supplement. I'm always at tractor supply anyways. I appreciate all the help.

 

[Chick Charm]

...

Thanks. I will look into the egg laying supplement. I'm always at tractor supply anyways. I appreciate all the help.[/

It would be wise to NOT include extra calcium and supplements you mentioned until AFTER they start laying. It's not a mandate just better for the girls. Keep em on chick starter until they lay. They need the protein.

The first egg is always exciting for every flock in my opinion. Wish ya the best.

 

[juliejmt12]

My White Leghorns started laying right at 17 and a half weeks. They have been giving me an egg a day ever since. The other hens look ready but I haven't seen anything from them yet. I have this bad feeling that they will start laying when I go on vacation in 2 weeks. The waiting is killing me!