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Laying Hens

Most breeds will start laying eggs from 16-24 weeks of age. Typically larger breeds take longer than smaller breeds. We recommend switching to a layer feed around 15 weeks of age to provide adequate nutrition (specifically calcium) for egg productions. It is important to provide nesting boxes at this time.

Light stimulates the endocrine system in the hen to produce more eggs–the more light exposure the hen has the more eggs she will produce. Maximum productivity is achieved at 15 hours of light per day if that is the goal. Hens may continue to lay eggs in reduced light but egg production will be reduced or the hen will start molting and production will be stopped. If artificial light is provided in the winter months to maintain productivity remember that light in a chicken coop can be a fire hazard.