A chicken (called a pullet until she is a year old), begins laying eggs when she is about 18 to 20 weeks old or so. Some breeds begin when they are older, however. Healthy chickens lay eggs most reliably in their first 2 to 3 years.
When do chickens breed?
Start breeding in the spring. Although you can breed chickens throughout most of the year, chickens bred in the Spring tend to be stronger. Chickens born in the Spring will begin producing eggs in Autumn.
How old do chickens have to be to breed?
Some breeds can start as young as five months old but most breeds normally begin about 8 to 10 months. I would wait until 9 months or so at least. Most hens will not allow the advances of the rooster until after the first few eggs have been produced. Most Roosters are ready to breed around 6 months or so.
You may find that one will start laying at 17 weeks old while another from the same clutch won’t start until the 20th week. Some breeds will start laying eggs much later. It can be up to six months (24 weeks) before breeds like Orpingtons, Jersey Giants and Brahmas are ready to lay their first egg.
If you want to raise a breed of chicken that will lay eggs very young, consider raising a newer breed like Golden Comets. Other breeds, like Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, and Delawares also lay eggs relatively early – usually around eighteen weeks of age.
Why should I get chickens?
Silkies have the sweetest temperament., and small size. These cuties are considered to be bantams, but they aren’t quite as tiny as most bantam chickens. They’re very broody and wonderful mamas. They don’t need a lot of space and don’t mind confinement. Some silkies have beards, they’re fun to watch, and they aren’t hard on your gardens are a few extra ideas to take a look at.
Here is an introduction to Chicken Laws and Local Ordinances (and how you can change them) Search our database of local chicken laws & ordinances. Double check your local city/town local ordinances and homeowner’s association, and more items.
What is the best time of year to raise chickens?
Chickens sit mostly from March to September. Some breeds can start as young as five months old but most breeds normally begin about 8 to 10 months.
You should not raise just one chicken. Most experts recommend raising between three and six chickens and limiting this number to four if you are a beginner.