Chicken Laying Age Calculator

Wondering when your pullets will start laying? Enter the day they hatched (or the day you brought them home as chicks) and pick their breed, and we'll estimate when to expect that first egg.

Most hens start laying somewhere between 18 and 24 weeks of age. Lighter production breeds (Leghorns, sex links, Australorps) often start around 18 weeks, while heavier and ornamental breeds (Orpingtons, Brahmas, Silkies) can take 26 weeks or more. Shorter winter daylight, a stressful move, or a hard molt can all push the first egg later, so treat this as a rough guide and watch for the signs: a reddening comb and wattles, squatting when you reach down, and scoping out the nest boxes.