When your young hens start laying, it’s always an exciting day — the moment you find that very first egg in the nest box! But many chicken owners are surprised when that first egg turns out to be small — sometimes very small. Don’t worry, though — this is completely normal and actually a great sign that your pullets are healthy and maturing right on schedule.
The First Eggs Are Practice Runs
When pullets (young hens under one year old) reach laying age — typically around 18–22 weeks depending on the breed — their bodies are still adjusting to the egg production process. Think of those first few eggs as “practice rounds.” The reproductive system is learning how to coordinate all the steps that go into producing a perfect egg: forming the yolk, adding the albumen (egg white), and developing a strong shell.
Because their systems are still getting into rhythm, the first few eggs are usually smaller, sometimes with thinner shells, double yolks, or even the occasional odd shape. Within a few weeks, egg size gradually increases as the hen’s body matures and everything starts working in sync.
Breed and Nutrition Make a Difference
Different breeds reach maturity at different rates. For example, White Leghorns and Brown Sexlinks are known for coming into lay earlier and often start producing small white or brown eggs around 17–18 weeks. Heavier dual-purpose breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, or Barred Rocks might take a little longer but will eventually lay larger eggs on average.
A balanced layer feed with adequate calcium and protein also plays a big role. If your pullets have just started laying, it’s time to switch from grower feed to a complete layer ration designed to support healthy egg production.
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Egg Size Increases Naturally Over Time
Just like people don’t grow to their full height overnight, hens don’t reach their full egg-laying potential right away either. Most pullets will lay smaller “pullet eggs” for the first 4–6 weeks of their laying cycle. After that, egg size gradually increases from small → medium → large as their bodies fully mature.
By the time a hen is around 30–35 weeks old, her eggs will typically reach their normal, breed-specific size. Some breeds — like the Black Australorp or Delaware — are especially known for producing nice, large eggs once mature.
Don’t Discard Those First Eggs!
Even though they’re smaller, pullet eggs are perfectly edible — and many people actually prefer them. They tend to have a higher yolk-to-white ratio, giving them a rich flavor that’s great for baking or breakfast dishes.
If you plan to sell eggs, it’s helpful to let customers know when your flock is newly laying so they understand why the sizes might vary at first. Most chicken keepers find that customers appreciate the transparency and enjoy being part of the process as the hens grow.
Patience Pays Off
Raising backyard layers (or running a full-scale flock) takes a bit of patience, but the reward is worth it. Every small egg is a step toward a consistent supply of beautiful, full-sized eggs in just a few short weeks.
At Valley Farms Hatchery, we love helping new chicken owners learn what to expect from their birds — from the first tiny pullet egg all the way to full production. Whether you’re starting with White Leghorns, Production Reds, or Buff Orpingtons, remember: small eggs mean big things are coming!
