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When do chickens start laying eggs?

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On average, chickens start laying eggs at 6 months old, depending on the breed. Breeds like Australorps, Leghorns, Golden Comets and Sex Links will start laying as soon as 16-18 weeks. Larger, heavier breeds like Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons will lay anywhere from 6 to 8 months. However, if your birds come into maturity in the fall or winter will sometimes not begin laying until spring: six months is just the average! (We guarantee you that every day past five months that they haven't begun to lay will seem like an eternity!)

If your bird is older than eight months, and it's not fall or winter, have a look at this list of other possible reasons your chickens aren't laying.

(Oh, waiting for those eggs can be so painful!)