I believe it depends on the breed and development of the hen. I also got 3 day old chicks on June 15. One started laying last week, one of my two barred Plymouth Rocks. However, the other seven are not acting like they are ready( Got a brown leghorn, Delaware, Buckeye, Buff Orphington, Cornish Hen, Buff Brahma,). I am in the Northeast, and it is getting dark and gloomy outside. So inside, my coop, I have a section with a shelf separated by screen door, where I place a battery lantern. I put it on from 4pm to 7pmsih. Since sunrise is now around 7 in the morning. It will give them plenty of sleep time. Hopefully a nice boost of light to get those layers happy.
Ya know, my brother has some hens too. One of his laid an egg every day for 3 days until her schedule ovulation sorted its self out. Every hen is different. He has six polish hens, and some others. The polish are suppose to lay maybe 2-3 eggs a week. He gets one every day, from each one.
I think spending a lot of time with them, and making sure there is always a supply of layer pellets, and water at all times. Making sure there is no stress in the flock will help too.
What breed of chickens do you have? The bigger hearty ones will lay through the winter. The smaller, lighter birds may hold off till the very early Spring.
