How Long Does It Take A Hen To Lay An Egg?
How Long From Chick to First Egg?
You know the saying, “Good things come to those who wait”. When starting with day old chicks one must have a bit of patience as it will be a while before you collect that first farm fresh egg from your coop. But let me tell you, it is worth the wait! “How long before my hens start laying eggs?” is a question we at Meyer Hatchery get asked daily. The reality is that it is different for every breed and every chicken. Much like humans, chickens develop at their own unique pace.
Breed Choice
As you carefully pick the newest additions to your flock, there are some important factors to consider: how early the breed matures and the number of eggs they will lay each year. On our website we have a helpful characteristics guide that will aid you in determining if your desired breed is likely to mature early or will more likely be a late bloomer. Some of the breeds to generally mature early are the Austra Whites, New Hampshire Reds, Black Australorps, any color varieties of the Plymouth Rock, Leghorns (Brown, Exchequer, White), and Golden Buffs. A few slower to mature breeds would be the Cochins, Polish, Brahmas, and Silkies.
Laying Age
On average, a pullet will begin to lay an egg around 5-6 months of age. You may get lucky and start receiving eggs as early as 16-18 weeks, or have to wait a long 28-32 weeks before you receive your first egg. However, most pullets will begin to lay their first egg between 20-24 weeks. If you order chicks in the spring between March and May you will generally start to see your first egg between August and October.
Time of Year
If you order your chicks in the summer, you may have to wait a little bit longer for your eggs. Chicks that are hatched between June and August, if following the 5-6 month rule, should start laying their first egg between October and December. However, there is a chance you won’t see your first egg until the spring of the next year. A hen needs 12-14 hours of light per day to stimulate egg production. This is why your hens will lay more eggs in the spring and summer months when the days are 14-16 hours long. When the days become shorter it does affect a chicken’s egg laying cycle.
One option in the fall and winter months is to offer supplemental light in the morning to help your flock maintain the 12-14 hours of “daylight” they need to regularly produce eggs. Although, reduced daylight hours in the wintertime generally signals the time for hens to take a natural break from egg production. In the states that have colder winters, the energy the hens once used to produce an egg, will now be used to keep their bodies warm.
Time to Produce an Egg
On average it takes a hen 24 to 26 hours to produce and lay one egg. After the egg has been laid it will take about 15 to 30 minutes for the process to start over again. 20 hours of egg production is spent just on the shell forming. If you have a small flock, pay attention to the time of day your hens will lay their eggs. If you notice, a hen will lay her egg approximately 2 hours later than the day before. Hens won’t lay an egg at night when they are sleeping, so this will result in them occasionally skipping a day in their egg laying cycle and laying their egg the next morning.
No matter how long it takes, it is definitely worth the wait for those farm fresh eggs. In the comments below let us know the earliest a pullet has laid an egg and also the longest time you’ve had to wait.
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Our Rhode Island Reds began laying at about 20 weeks. They were spring chicks so we got our first eggs in August. They were great layers for over a year, until a stray dog wiped out much of the flock. That was a very sad day.
My first batch of chickens was 15 mixed breeds purchased in late spring. Thanksgiving was approaching with no eggs. I told the hens I was having eggs on Thanksgiving or I was having chicken. A couple days later I had 3 eggs, then 5, then a dozen a day all winter.
It’s great to hear that your hens eventually started laying eggs, just in time for Thanksgiving! It sounds like you have a successful flock of chickens that are “egg-specially” productive even during the winter months. Keep up the good work!
My California White just started laying this week. She is 21 weeks old and we were surprised since the days are so short and it’s been cold in TN. We also have a black sex link and a Calico Princess that are the same age but haven’t started yet.
Hi Mary. Thank you for reading our blog. Those breeds that you mention are not breeds we are familiar with since we don’t carry them, but we are happy to hear that your new pullets are beginning to lay for you. Enjoy!
My Green Queen purchased as day old chicks started laying at 18 weeks! Definitely worth the wait!
Thank you Meyer Hatchery! I love my chicks!
Great to hear how well you enjoy the Green Queens, Ana!
One of my hens sits in the roost for 4 or 5 hours before she lays her eggs. This began about a week ago, and her eggs are a bit smaller than usual. What can be done to help her?
Martha, if you find your chicken sitting in the nesting box for an extended period, it’s possible that they could be exhibiting broody behavior. If you don’t think they’re broody and there aren’t any apparent sources of stress in their life, it might be worth reaching out to a vet or your local extension office for further guidance. They can help determine if there might be any underlying issues or health problems affecting your chicken.