21 Apr When Will My Chickens Start Laying Big Eggs?
If you’re a poultry farmer, this question has likely crossed your mind: “When will my chickens start laying big eggs?” Whether you’re new to poultry farming or managing a large commercial operation, egg size matters. It’s more than a curiosity—it directly impacts your profits, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation.
At Petros Farms, we’ve worked with thousands of farmers across Africa and know the importance of understanding the timeline, factors, and solutions that influence egg size, just as we prioritize the health and quality of our antibiotic-free eggs. This blog is built to give you exactly that—so you can manage your expectations, boost your productivity, and run a more profitable poultry business.
What’s the Big Deal About Big Eggs?
In most African markets, larger eggs attract premium prices. Supermarkets, bakeries, and bulk buyers prefer medium to extra-large eggs for their consistency, shell quality, yolk size, and increasingly, for assurances of healthy production practices. So, if your flock is producing small ‘pullet eggs’ for too long, you’re not just losing size – you’re losing money and potentially missing out on the health-conscious market.
Understanding the Egg-Laying Timeline
Your birds won’t start laying large eggs overnight. Here’s the typical progression:
| Age (in Weeks) | Expected Egg Size |
|---|---|
| 18–22 | Small / Pullet Eggs |
| 23–27 | Medium Eggs |
| 28–35 | Large to Extra-Large Eggs |
| 36+ | Peak Size (with slight gains) |
What Factors Influence Egg Size?
Getting to those big, beautiful eggs isn’t automatic. Here’s what affects the size and when they appear:
- Breed Selection
Different breeds are programmed for different outcomes. ISA Brown, Hyline Brown, and Lohmann Brown are top performers in Africa due to their ability to lay consistent, large eggs under tropical conditions.
- Nutrition & Feeding Strategy
Egg size is built from nutrients. Your birds need a balanced layer feed with:
- High protein (16–18%)
- Sufficient calcium (3.5–4%)
- Methionine & lysine (amino acids essential for egg mass)
Switching to layer feed at the right time is critical to prepare their bodies for egg production.
- Body Weight at Point of Lay (POL)
Undersized hens lay smaller eggs. For ISA Browns, the ideal POL weight is around 1.5 to 1.6 kg. Monitor weekly weights and adjust feeding if your flock is underdeveloped.
- Lighting Program
Consistent lighting triggers reproductive hormones. Gradual light increases help regulate laying cycles and egg growth. Sudden lighting changes disrupt this balance and may delay large egg production.
- Stress Levels
Stress—from heat, overcrowding, high-stocking density, poor ventilation, or noise—can cause delays in laying and smaller eggs. Always provide a stable, low-stress environment.
- Flock Age
Even with perfect management, it takes time. Most hens naturally lay small eggs initially. By week 30, most will consistently produce medium to large-sized eggs.
What If My Chickens Are Laying Small Eggs Beyond 28 Weeks?
That’s a red flag. Possible causes include:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Low body weight at start of lay
- Poor lighting routines
- Heat stress or inconsistent water supply
- Breed limitations (non-commercial birds)
Pro tip: Use data. Keep track of feed intake, weight gain, light hours, and egg size weekly.
Actionable Tips to Encourage Bigger Eggs
✅ Use quality point-of-lay pullets that meet body weight targets.
✅ Transition to layer feed by 16 weeks.
✅ Ensure 24/7 access to clean, cool water.
✅ Use a stable lighting program.
✅ Avoid feeding during peak heat hours (11AM–4PM).
✅ Introduce midnight feeding (12AM–2AM) during hot seasons.
✅ Supplement calcium and vitamin D3 during early lay.
Common Myths About Egg Size
Myth: Large eggs mean your chickens are overperforming.
Truth: Oversized eggs in young hens can lead to reproductive issues or prolapse. Bigger isn’t always better—consistency matters more.
Myth: Feeding more automatically increases egg size.
Truth: Quality matters more than quantity. Excess feed without the right nutrients leads to fat hens, not bigger eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- At what age can I expect my chickens to start laying big eggs?
- Most commercial breeds like ISA Brown, Lohmann Brown, and Bovans typically start laying small “pullet eggs” around 18-22 weeks of age. You can generally expect to see medium-sized eggs between 23-27 weeks, and then large to extra-large eggs from around 28-35 weeks onwards. Peak egg size is usually reached after 36 weeks, with slight increases possible.
- What are “pullet eggs”?
- Pullet eggs are the first, smaller eggs laid by young hens as their reproductive systems mature. They are perfectly edible and nutritious, just smaller in size compared to the eggs they will lay later in their laying cycle.
- Does the breed of chicken affect when they lay big eggs?
- Yes, breed selection is a significant factor. Commercial breeds commonly used in Africa, such as ISA Brown, Hyline Brown, and Lohmann Brown, are specifically bred for consistent production of large eggs. Non-commercial or heritage breeds may have different timelines and may not consistently lay as large of eggs.
- What role does chicken feed play in egg size?
- Nutrition is crucial for egg size. Ensure your chickens are fed a balanced layer feed with adequate protein (16-18%), calcium (3.5-4%), and essential amino acids like methionine and lysine. Switching to layer feed at around 16 weeks is vital to support the development of larger eggs. For more tips, you can check out our article on here’s how to increase egg size fast.
- How important is the chicken’s weight when they start laying?
- Body weight at the point of lay (POL) is very important. Underdeveloped hens tend to lay smaller eggs. For breeds like ISA Brown, aim for a POL weight of around 1.5 to 1.6 kg. Regularly monitor your pullets’ weight and adjust their feed if they are underweight. Our guide on the best science-backed feed for pullets can provide more insights.
- Can lighting affect the size of the eggs my chickens lay?
- Yes, a consistent lighting program is essential for regulating the hormones involved in egg production and growth. Gradual increases in light can help support consistent laying cycles and egg size. Sudden changes in lighting can disrupt this balance and potentially delay the production of larger eggs.
- What if my chickens are older than 28 weeks and still laying small eggs?
- If your hens are past 28 weeks and still laying predominantly small eggs, it could indicate an issue. Possible causes include nutritional deficiencies, low body weight at the start of lay, poor lighting, stress (like heat or overcrowding), or the breed’s inherent limitations. Review your feeding, lighting, and environmental management practices.
- Is it true that bigger chickens lay bigger eggs?
- While there’s a general correlation between a hen’s overall development and her ability to lay larger eggs, simply having overweight chickens won’t necessarily lead to bigger eggs. A healthy body weight at the point of lay, achieved through proper nutrition and management during the pullet stage, is more critical for egg size.
- Can I do anything to encourage my chickens to lay bigger eggs faster?
- Yes, you can take several steps: ensure you are using quality point-of-lay pullets that meet weight targets, transition to a high-quality layer feed by 16 weeks, provide constant access to clean water, maintain a stable lighting program, minimize stress, and consider supplementing calcium and vitamin D3 during early lay.
- Is it a problem if my young hens lay very large eggs?
- While it might seem like a good thing, very large eggs from young hens can sometimes indicate reproductive issues or increase the risk of prolapse. Consistency in egg size is generally more desirable than exceptionally large eggs in young birds.
Conclusion: Size Comes with Strategy
The journey from pullet eggs to profitable large eggs is a process—but with the right strategy, it’s completely achievable.
At Petros Farms, we’re proud to use ISA Browns chickens here in Nigeria under some of the toughest climate conditions—yet we consistently deliver premium-sized and, importantly, antibiotic-free eggs thanks to data-driven strategies.
You can do the same. Call us today and let’s help you move from small eggs to big results.
Cheers.