The Pre-Laying Period, or PLP, is the final developmental stage a young female chicken, known as a pullet, undergoes before she is physically ready to lay her first egg. This phase represents her transition from adolescence to reproductive maturity. Generally occurring between 16 and 24 weeks of age, the exact timing can vary based on the chicken’s breed and individual development. During this time, significant hormonal shifts trigger a cascade of internal and external changes, preparing her body for the demanding process of egg production.
Identifying the Pre-Laying Period
One of the most apparent signs of the approaching lay is a dramatic change in the pullet’s comb and wattles. These fleshy areas on her head and under her beak will swell and transform from a pale pink or light red to a deep, vibrant scarlet. This change in color is a direct result of increased blood flow and the surge of hormones associated with reproductive readiness.
A pullet’s skeletal structure also adapts to make room for an egg to pass. Her pelvic bones, located on either side of her vent, will begin to separate. A chicken keeper can gently feel this area; if the space between the bones is wide enough to fit approximately three fingers, it suggests she is ready to lay.
Behavioral shifts provide further clues that the pre-laying period is underway. A pullet may begin exhibiting the “submissive squat,” where she crouches down, lowers her back, and slightly spreads her wings when a person approaches. This instinctual posture signals her readiness for mating, even in the absence of a rooster. She will also develop an interest in potential nesting areas, spending time investigating and sitting in quiet, secluded spots. This nesting instinct is accompanied by an increase in vocalizations as she communicates her intent to find a suitable place to lay.
Nutritional and Environmental Needs
As a pullet enters the pre-laying period, her nutritional requirements change significantly, necessitating a switch from grower feed to a specialized layer feed. This transition is important because layer feeds are formulated with a much higher calcium content. The increased calcium is used for the formation of strong eggshells and to build up reserves in the hen’s body. A special type of bone, called medullary bone, develops around three weeks before the first egg is laid and acts as a calcium reservoir that the hen can draw upon for shell production.
To support this immense calcium demand, it is beneficial to provide a separate, free-choice source of calcium, such as crushed oyster shells or eggshells. This allows each hen to consume as much as she individually needs without forcing excess calcium on the entire flock. The transition to layer feed should occur around 18 weeks of age, or when the first physical signs of the PLP appear, ensuring her body is prepared.
Hens have a natural desire to lay their eggs in a secure, private location. Providing clean, dark, and quiet nesting boxes encourages them to lay in a designated area. These boxes should be filled with soft, clean bedding like pine shavings or straw. Placing them in a calm corner of the coop, away from heavy traffic, and ensuring there is roughly one box for every four hens will help make them appealing and reduce the likelihood of hens laying eggs on the floor.
The First Egg and Beyond
The arrival of the first egg marks the pullet’s transition into a laying hen. It is common for these initial eggs, sometimes called “pullet eggs,” to be quite different from what one might expect. They are often significantly smaller than the eggs of a mature hen and can have irregularities in their shape or shell texture.
Occasionally, these first attempts may even be laid without a yolk, or conversely, contain a double yolk. These variations are a normal part of the hen’s reproductive system getting started and are not a cause for concern.
After producing a few of these unconventional eggs, the hen’s system will regulate, and she will begin to lay more consistently sized and shaped eggs. Her laying will settle into a more predictable pattern, with an egg typically being produced every 24 to 27 hours, depending on her breed and environmental factors like daylight hours.