The first egg often arrives when hens are 18 weeks old, subject to breed, environment and nutrition. A rooster is not necessary for egg production unless you want to have fertilized eggs for hatching. When pullets are nearing their first egg lay, their behavior changes.
How do you know when a pullet is about to lay?
Are your pullets ready to lay eggs? Here's how to tell:
- Chickens will be between 16-24 weeks old.
- Pullets look full grown with clean, new feathers.
- Combs and wattles have swollen and are a deep, red color.
- Bones in the hen's pelvis will begin to separate.
How often do pullets lay eggs?
When a pullet (young hen) first starts laying, she may lay only one egg every 3 or 4 days until her reproductive system gets fully geared up. Then, after she's been laying for about eighteen months, she'll take a break to molt and refresh her plumage.
