When Do Pullets Start Laying?
Quick Look
Waiting for that first egg is one of the most exciting milestones in raising chickens. Most pullets begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks of age, but breed, nutrition, daylight, and overall health all influence when that first egg arrives. In this guide, you'll learn what affects a pullet's laying schedule, the signs she's getting close, and why understanding the process is more valuable than simply watching the calendar.
Few moments in poultry keeping generate as much anticipation as finding that very first egg in the nesting box.
You've spent months feeding, watering, cleaning, and watching your flock grow from fluffy chicks into young hens. Every morning you peek into the nest boxes hoping today is the day. Sometimes you're rewarded with a tiny surprise. Other times...just more pine shavings.
The question almost every new chicken keeper asks is, "When will my pullets finally start laying?"
The answer is simple—but not always exact.
The Average Age for First Eggs
Most pullets begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks of age, with many breeds falling somewhere around the 18- to 22-week mark.
However, age is only one piece of the puzzle.
Highly productive hybrid layers are often among the earliest to begin, while many heritage breeds take a little longer to mature. Larger breeds generally develop more slowly than lighter-bodied birds, and some ornamental breeds seem perfectly content to make you wait.
If your flock isn't laying exactly on the date printed in a breed guide, don't panic. Chickens don't own calendars.
More Than Just Age
One of the biggest misconceptions is that chickens begin laying simply because they've reached a certain age.
In reality, several factors work together.
Nutrition plays a major role. Pullets need a balanced diet that supports healthy growth before their bodies are ready to produce eggs. Switching to a quality layer ration—or providing supplemental calcium once eggs begin appearing—helps support consistent production.
Daylight is another important factor. Chickens respond to the length of the day, and pullets reaching maturity during the shorter days of fall or winter may delay laying until daylight increases naturally.
Stress also matters. Moving to a new coop, introducing new flock mates, predator pressure, illness, or extreme weather can all postpone those first eggs.
Healthy birds raised in a comfortable environment usually let nature take its course.
Signs Your Pullet Is Almost Ready
Fortunately, your birds often give you clues before that first egg appears.
The comb and wattles become noticeably larger and brighter red as hormones begin preparing the reproductive system.
Many pullets suddenly develop an intense curiosity about the nesting boxes. You may find them climbing in, rearranging bedding, or simply sitting inside as if practicing.
Some begin the classic "submission squat." As you approach, they crouch low with wings slightly spread—a behavior triggered by sexual maturity.
Their pelvic bones also begin to widen, creating space for egg production. Experienced poultry keepers often use this as one of several indicators that laying isn't far away.
And don't be surprised if their personalities change a bit. Some become more vocal. Others seem restless or spend more time exploring the coop.
It's their way of telling you they're growing up.
Don't Expect Perfect Eggs
The first egg is memorable—but it may not be impressive.
Many first eggs are smaller than normal. Some are oddly shaped. Double yolks, shell irregularities, or tiny "fairy eggs" without yolks can all occur during the first few weeks as the reproductive system settles into a rhythm.
This is perfectly normal.
Within a few weeks, most pullets begin producing eggs that are much more consistent in both size and appearance.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your pullets are healthy, active, eating well, and haven't started laying by about 26 to 28 weeks, it's worth taking a closer look.
Ask yourself a few questions:
Are they receiving adequate nutrition?
Has daylight recently decreased?
Are they showing signs of illness or parasites?
Could they be laying somewhere other than the nesting boxes?
Are they experiencing stress from predators or flock dynamics?
In many cases, a little patience is still the best solution.
Looking Beyond the First Egg
It's easy to become focused on one milestone.
After all, eggs are why many people decide to raise chickens in the first place.
But one of the greatest joys of poultry keeping is realizing there's so much more happening than what's inside the nesting box.
Watching a pullet mature teaches patience. Learning to recognize the signs of development helps you become a better flock manager. Understanding nutrition, behavior, health, and seasonal changes gives you confidence that extends far beyond collecting eggs each morning.
The first egg isn't the finish line—it's the beginning of a whole new stage in your flock's life.
And that's really what good poultry keeping is all about. The more you understand your birds, the better you'll care for them. Sometimes the most valuable thing your flock produces isn't the egg itself—it's the knowledge you gain along the way.
Jennifer Bryant is the founder of Bryant's Roost, Beyond the Egg and co-host of the Poultry Nerds Podcast. With advanced education in poultry incubation and a passion for practical, science-based poultry management, she is dedicated to helping backyard flock owners and breeders raise healthier birds through trusted education, research, and real-world experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do pullets usually start laying eggs?
Most pullets begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks of age, although the exact timing depends on the breed, nutrition, daylight hours, and overall health. Production breeds often mature sooner than many heritage breeds.
How can I tell if my pullet is about to lay her first egg?
As a pullet approaches laying age, her comb and wattles typically become larger and brighter red. She may begin exploring nesting boxes, squat when approached, become more vocal, or spend more time around the coop's nesting area.
Why aren't my pullets laying yet?
Delayed laying is often caused by normal factors such as breed differences, shorter daylight hours, poor nutrition, stress, or simply individual variation. Healthy pullets don't all begin laying on the same schedule.
What do a pullet's first eggs look like?
The first eggs are usually smaller than normal and may have unusual shapes or shell imperfections. Double-yolk eggs or tiny yolkless "fairy eggs" can also occur during the first few weeks as the reproductive system adjusts.
Should I switch to layer feed before my pullets start laying?
Most poultry keepers transition pullets to a layer ration when the flock begins laying or when the first eggs appear. Since layer feeds contain higher levels of calcium, they are generally intended for birds that are actively producing eggs.
Does the season affect when pullets start laying?
Yes. Pullets reaching maturity during the fall or winter may delay laying because shorter daylight hours naturally reduce egg production. As daylight increases in the spring, many young hens begin laying without any other changes.
Is it normal for every pullet to start laying at a different time?
Absolutely. Even birds of the same breed and hatch date may begin laying days or even weeks apart. Genetics, growth rate, and environmental conditions all play a role.
When should I be concerned if my pullets haven't started laying?
If your pullets are healthy but haven't laid by about 26 to 28 weeks of age, evaluate their nutrition, health, daylight exposure, and stress levels. If everything appears normal and they still aren't laying, consulting an experienced poultry veterinarian or extension service may help identify any underlying issues.