When Will My Chickens Start Laying Eggs? Signs to Watch For and How to Prepare
Jul 01, 2025
If you got chicks this spring, your first egg might be just around the corner.
But when exactly should you expect it—and how do you keep it from ending up under a bush or buried in the run?
Let’s break down what to watch for and how to help your young hens settle into good laying habits right from the start.
What’s a pullet, anyway?
A pullet is a young female chicken—usually between 6 and 20 weeks of age—who hasn’t started laying yet. Once she lays her first egg, she’s considered a hen.
Most pullets start laying between 18 and 24 weeks, depending on their breed, feed, environment, and stress levels. But you’ll often see signs that laying is near before that first egg appears.
Signs your pullet is getting close to laying
Here’s what we watch for:
✅ Red combs and wattles
You’ll notice their color deepen and the texture change as hormones begin to shift.
✅ The squat reflex
If you reach toward her back and she crouches low and still, she’s showing a submissive posture—usually a strong sign she’s close to laying.
✅ Increased noise and activity
Pullets often get louder, more curious, and a little more social as they mature. You might also notice some new sounds— many hens will start belting out the classic “egg song” after laying, as if to announce their big moment to the flock.
✅ Exploring nest boxes
Some pullets will begin scratching or sitting in the nest boxes before their first egg arrives.
And if you have a rooster, get ready.
As hormones shift, they can get a little… feisty. Think of it like the teenage boy phase—they’re figuring things out, and sometimes that includes testing boundaries.
How to help them lay where they’re supposed to
That first egg is exciting—but it can also be random. Without guidance, pullets may lay on the ground, in a corner, or wherever they feel safe.
Here’s how we encourage good nest box habits from the start:
🐔 Open the nest boxes around 16–18 weeks
Even if they’re not ready to lay yet, giving them time to explore helps reduce confusion later.
🥚 Place wooden or ceramic eggs in the boxes
Chickens are visual learners. A “dummy” egg helps them recognize where eggs are meant to go.
🚪 Keep them in the coop during the morning hours
Most hens lay before noon. If your flock free ranges, keeping them in the coop until mid-morning helps reinforce the habit of laying in the right place.
A few still might wander—and that’s okay
Even with the best prep, some pullets will choose a corner of the run or a shady patch of grass for their first few eggs. It’s part of the learning curve. Just be consistent with your setup and routine, and most will adjust quickly.
Final thoughts
Waiting for that first egg can feel slow—but the payoff is always worth it.
Whether it’s light brown, blue, speckled, or dark olive green, there’s something magical about seeing your chickens’ hard work (and yours!) come full circle.
And if you haven’t already, make sure your flock is getting the right nutrition as they approach laying age. Our free feed guide breaks it all down! Grab it when you sign up for our weekly email newsletter where we share easy homesteading + chicken keeping tips!
