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FurCalc

Chicken Laying Age Calculator — When Will My Hen Start Laying Eggs?

Predict your pullet's first egg date based on breed and hatch date. Covers 15+ common US breeds from early-laying Leghorns (16 weeks) to late-laying Brahmas (32 weeks). Includes annual egg production estimates.

Calculator

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First egg expected
September 19, 2026 — October 3, 2026
Age: 18-20 weeks old. 250-280 eggs/year; hardy all-purpose.
First eggs often small and irregular. Supplement 16-18% protein layer feed + oyster shell free-choice starting at 18 weeks. Dark winter months delay first laying.

How to use the chicken laying age calculator

  1. Pick your chicken breed — Laying age varies 12+ weeks between fastest and slowest breeds.
  2. Enter hatch date — From hatchery, feed store label, or approximate if unknown.
  3. Read expected first-egg date — Plus nest box installation timing + layer feed transition.
  4. Transition to layer feed at 18 weeks — 16–18 % protein with 3.5–4 % calcium for eggshells.

Laying age and annual production by breed

BreedFirst egg (weeks)Eggs/yearType
White Leghorn16–18280–320Production / White
ISA Brown / Red Star16–18300–320Production / Brown
Rhode Island Red18–22250–300Heritage / Brown
Australorp18–22250–280Heritage / Brown
Sussex20–24250–280Heritage / Cream
Plymouth Rock20–24200–250Heritage / Brown
Wyandotte20–24200–240Heritage / Brown
Orpington22–26200–250Heritage / Brown
Easter Egger22–26200–280Mixed / Green/Blue
Marans22–26180–200Heritage / Dark chocolate
Brahma28–32150–200Heritage / Brown
Cochin28–32150–180Heritage / Brown
Silkie28–32100–120Ornamental / Cream

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do chickens start laying eggs?

Laying age depends heavily on breed. Production breeds (Leghorns, ISA Browns, Sex Links): 16–18 weeks — the earliest. Popular backyard breeds (Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, Sussex): 18–22 weeks. Heavier heritage breeds (Orpingtons, Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks): 22–26 weeks. Slow-maturing breeds (Brahmas, Cochins, Jersey Giants): 28–32 weeks. Adequate daylight (14+ hours) and nutrition dramatically affect when laying actually starts.

Why hasn't my pullet started laying at the expected age?

Common reasons: (1) Breed slower-maturing than expected — some breeds legitimately take 28+ weeks. (2) Daylight too short — pullets need 14+ hours to trigger laying; short winter days delay first egg. (3) Nutrition — needs 16–18 % protein layer feed + calcium (oyster shell). (4) Stress — new environment, predator pressure, extreme heat. (5) Seasonal — pullets reaching maturity in fall often wait for spring light. (6) Individual variation — some hens lay 4+ weeks later than average.

What's the difference between hybrid egg-layers and heritage breeds?

Hybrid production breeds (ISA Brown, Red Star, Black Star, Golden Comet) are crosses specifically bred for commercial egg production — lay 280+ eggs/year starting 16–18 weeks, often burn out at 2–3 years. Heritage breeds lay less (150–250 eggs/year, starting later) but lay consistently for 4–8+ years and are more disease-resistant. Hybrids are cheaper per egg; heritage breeds pay off over longer lifespan.

How many eggs can I expect per year by breed?

Top production: Leghorn 280–320; ISA Brown 300–320; Lohmann Brown 300+. Strong backyard producers: Rhode Island Red 250–300; Australorp 250–280 (record: 364/year); Sussex 250–280. Moderate: Orpington 200–250; Plymouth Rock 200–250; Wyandotte 200–240. Slower: Brahma 150–200; Cochin 150–180; Silkie 100–120 (plus broodiness).

Do I need a rooster for hens to lay eggs?

No. Hens lay eggs based on hormonal cycles triggered by daylight, not fertilization. A rooster is only needed for fertilized eggs (hatching). Eggs from hens without a rooster are identical nutritionally to those with a rooster present. Many municipalities ban roosters due to noise; your hens will lay just fine without one.

Should I use supplemental lighting to extend winter laying?

Optional — a personal choice based on values. 14 hours of light daily (add 2–4 hours in winter with a low-wattage bulb on a timer) maintains year-round laying. Letting hens go through natural winter dormancy is kinder to the hen long-term and may extend productive lifespan by 1–2 years, but you'll have 8–12 weeks of no eggs. Decide based on whether you want steady eggs or happier long-lived hens.

Sources & References

  1. [1]
    Poultry Extension — eXtension Foundation
  2. [2]
    Breed Laying Data — My Pet Chicken
  3. [3]
    Chicken Reproductive Physiology — Merck Veterinary Manual
  4. [4]
    Backyard Chicken Management — University of Minnesota Extension