Chicken life stages at a glance
| Age | Stage | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 weeks | Chick | Brooder with heat, chick starter, feathers replacing down |
| 6–16 weeks | Pullet / cockerel | Moves to the coop, grower feed, roosters start crowing |
| 16–24 weeks | Point of lay | Comb and wattles redden, squatting, nest box inspections |
| ~18–80 weeks | First laying cycle | Peak egg production, then the first fall molt |
| 2+ years | Mature hen | Yearly molts, gradually fewer but larger eggs |
Signs a pullet is about to lay
Look for a comb and wattles that turn from pink to bright red, a hen that squats when you reach down to her, and new interest in the nest boxes. Putting a ceramic or wooden "dummy" egg in the nest shows young hens where to lay. Expect first eggs to be small, oddly shaped or soft-shelled for a week or two. That's normal.
Gear that helps
- Ceramic or wooden dummy eggs
- Layer feed and oyster shell, ready ahead of point of lay
- Leg bands for telling hens of the same breed apart
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Frequently asked questions
How long do chickens live?
Backyard hens commonly live 5–10 years. Laying slows considerably after about 3–4 years.
Why haven't my 26-week-old hens started laying?
Breed, short daylight and stress all delay laying. Dual-purpose and heavy breeds reaching maturity in fall or winter may not start until days lengthen.
Sources
- Penn State Extension: Management Requirements for Laying Flocks
- University of Maine Extension, Bulletin 2219: Giving Chicks a Good Start
Last reviewed October 2026. These are planning estimates for hobby flocks. For sick birds, contact a poultry vet or your state extension office.