Understanding the Waiting Game and What Might Be Holding Them Back
You’ve raised your pullets with care, watched them grow from tiny chicks to feathered hens—and now you're eagerly checking the nest boxes... only to find nothing. Don’t worry, you're not alone! Knowing when pullets typically start laying and what factors might delay them can ease your worries and help set realistic expectations.
At Wise County Chicken Farm, we get this question often—so here’s a complete guide to understanding why your young hens might not be laying yet.
🐥 First, What’s the Normal Age for a Pullet to Start Laying?
Most pullets begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks of age (roughly 4 to 6 months old). However, the exact timeline depends on several factors:
- Breed: Some breeds like Leghorns and Sex Links start early (16–18 weeks), while others like Orpingtons and Brahmas may wait until 22–28 weeks
- Season: Pullets raised in spring often lay earlier than those maturing in the shorter days of fall/winter
- Individual development: Just like people, some birds are early bloomers—others take their time
So if your pullets aren’t laying yet, the first step is to check their age and breed expectations.
⏳ 1. They're Just Not Ready Yet (Maturity)
This is by far the most common reason. Even if your pullet is 20+ weeks old, she may still be physically or hormonally immature. Look for these signs of readiness:
- Bright red, plump comb and wattles
- Squatting behavior when you approach
- Increased interest in nest boxes
- Singing or “egg song” vocalizing
If none of these signs are present, chances are she’s just not quite ready yet.
⚠️ 2. Stress Is Slowing Them Down
Chickens are creatures of habit—and stress can delay laying. Common stressors include:
- Recent relocation or new flock members
- Overcrowding or limited coop space
- Predator pressure (even if just “visitors” at night)
- Loud noises or daily disruptions
- Extreme temperatures (heatwaves or cold snaps)
Minimizing stress and providing a calm, consistent routine helps signal to the bird that it's safe to start producing eggs.
☀️ 3. They Aren’t Getting Enough Sunlight
Pullets (and adult hens) need at least 12–14 hours of daylight to trigger egg production. For optimum production they need closer to 16 hours of sunlight per day. If your girls are hitting laying age in fall or winter, shorter daylight hours could be delaying things.
💡 You can supplement light in the coop if needed—just be sure it’s gentle, consistent, and shuts off gradually so you don’t confuse their biological rhythm.
🥦 4. Nutritional Deficiency or Wrong Feed
Egg laying requires a lot of energy, protein, and calcium. If your birds aren't receiving the right feed, they may not lay at all—or lay soft, shell-less eggs that break before you ever see them.
Be sure your pullets are on a layer feed with at least 18% protein and adequate calcium, however 20% protein would be ideal. We highly recommend our feed!
📌 And don’t rush to treats! Too many snacks, scratch, or corn can dilute their diet and throw off the balance they need to kickstart laying.
🧺 5. They’re Laying… But You’re Missing the Eggs!
Yep—sometimes they’re laying, just not where you want them to. Check these common hiding spots:
- Under the coop
- In tall grass or hay piles
- Behind feed bins or water containers
- Under roosts or behind nesting dividers
Make sure you provide:
- Clean, cozy nest boxes (1 box per 3–4 birds)
- Nesting material like pine shavings or straw
- A private, quiet space they feel secure using
🥚 Final Thoughts
Waiting for those first eggs can feel like forever—but trust the process. Most pullets start laying when their body and environment are just right, and with the right care, that first egg will come before you know it.
Still not sure what’s going on with your flock? We’re happy to help—reach out to us or book a consultation if you’d like us to walk through your setup.
– The Wise County Chicken Farm Family