Have you recently started raising backyard chickens? Maybe your young hens just began laying and you’re surprised by the tiny eggs showing up in your nesting boxes Don’t worry – you’re not alone in wondering about these miniature treasures!
When my first Australorp started laying, I was kinda shocked at how small her eggs were. I kept waiting for them to get bigger, but after a dozen eggs, they were still between 48-54 grams. This made me curious about whether this was normal or if something was wrong with my hen.
After doing some research and talking with other chicken owners, I’ve gathered all the important info about those first tiny eggs (called “pullet eggs”) and why they’re perfectly normal.
Yes, Chickens Do Lay Small Eggs at First!
The simple answer is: absolutely yes. When young hens (called pullets) begin their egg-laying journey, they start with eggs much smaller than what you’re used to seeing at the grocery store. These first eggs are adorably called “pullet eggs.”
Pullet eggs are completely normal and actually quite special. They’re a natural part of your hen’s development as she matures into a productive layer. As one chicken owner shared on BackYard Chickens forum “Yes most times they will start off laying smaller eggs and they will eventually get bigger!”
Why Are First Eggs So Small?
When a pullet starts laying around 5-6 months of age, her reproductive system isn’t fully developed yet. Think of it as a practice run! Her body is still figuring out the whole egg-laying process, and it takes time for everything to reach full capacity.
The small size of first eggs happens because:
- The hen’s reproductive tract is still developing
- Her body is adjusting to the egg-laying process
- Hormonal systems are still stabilizing
How Long Do Pullets Lay Small Eggs?
This is where patience comes in The transition from small pullet eggs to full-sized eggs isn’t an overnight process. It typically takes
- A few weeks to a few months for eggs to reach their regular size
- The exact timing varies depending on the breed and individual hen
- Some hens transition faster than others
In my case, my Australorp’s eggs stayed small for quite a while. I was getting concerned, but other chicken owners reassured me this was perfectly normal. One experienced keeper mentioned: “give her time, she will lay bigger eggs.”
Size Variation Can Be Extreme
The difference between pullet eggs and mature eggs can be striking. One chicken owner on the BackYard Chickens forum shared a photo showing dramatic size differences between first eggs and mature eggs – with the mature eggs being nearly twice the size!
Another chicken keeper found 7 eggs in their yard from their Plymouth Barred Rock hens and noticed that even within just 3 days, the eggs had already grown in size.
Are Pullet Eggs Safe to Eat?
Absolutely! Despite their miniature size, pullet eggs are:
- Perfectly safe to eat
- Have the same nutritional value as regular eggs
- Some people even claim they have a richer flavor
- They have the same shelf life as regular eggs (3-4 weeks refrigerated)
We actually love cooking with pullet eggs – they’re perfect for making small batches of cookies or adding to ramen!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pullet Eggs
How long does it take for chickens to start laying?
Chickens generally start laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age, though this varies by breed. Some breeds mature faster than others.
Do all chickens lay small eggs when they start?
Yes! All chicken breeds will lay smaller eggs when they first begin laying, regardless of what size eggs they’ll eventually produce.
How often do chickens lay eggs?
Most laying hens produce approximately one egg per day, though this depends on factors like breed, age, season, and environmental conditions.
Do pullet eggs taste different?
While they have the same basic taste as regular eggs, some people swear pullet eggs have a richer, more concentrated flavor due to their small size.
Can I hatch pullet eggs to raise chicks?
Yes, pullet eggs can be successfully hatched if they’re fertilized and properly incubated. However, some chicken keepers prefer to wait until the hen is producing full-sized eggs for better hatching success.
Will my hens ever lay jumbo or extra-large eggs?
This depends primarily on genetics and breed. Not all hens will produce jumbo or extra-large eggs consistently, even when fully mature. Some breeds naturally lay smaller eggs throughout their lives.
Can chickens lay different-colored eggs when they start laying?
Yes! The color of eggs is determined by genetics, so if your hen is meant to lay blue, green, brown or white eggs, she’ll lay that color from the beginning – just in a smaller package!
Do pullet eggs have a higher chance of having double yolks?
There’s actually no scientific evidence suggesting pullet eggs are more likely to have double yolks. Double yolks are more common in very large eggs from mature hens.
How to Encourage Healthy Egg Development
While you can’t force your hens to lay larger eggs faster (it’s mostly genetics and time), you can support their overall health during this transition:
- Provide quality nutrition – A good layer feed with proper protein levels (16-18%)
- Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times
- Offer calcium supplements like oyster shells (in a separate container so they can self-regulate)
- Create comfortable nesting areas where they feel safe to lay
- Minimize stress in their environment
When to Be Concerned
While small eggs are normal for beginning layers, there are a few situations where you might want to pay closer attention:
- If a mature hen suddenly starts laying small eggs after laying normal-sized eggs
- If eggs have abnormal shells (very thin, misshapen, or with strange textures)
- If a hen seems distressed, lethargic, or shows other signs of illness
My Experience with First-Time Layers
When our first Australorp started laying, I was a bit concerned about the egg size. They were consistently between 48-54 grams, which is small but not tiny. After collecting about a dozen eggs of similar size, I started wondering if they would ever get bigger.
After asking more experienced chicken keepers, I learned this was completely normal. One keeper said: “Oh wow! That’s kinda neat then, as we thought the eggs were a lovely size to begin with.” I realized I should just enjoy these special first eggs rather than worry about them!
The Joy of Pullet Eggs
There’s something truly special about those first small eggs. They mark an important milestone in your flock’s development. Rather than seeing them as inadequate, try to appreciate them as unique treasures that won’t last forever.
Many chicken keepers actually miss pullet eggs once their hens mature! They’re perfect for:
- Making bite-sized deviled eggs for parties
- Creating perfect small portions
- Cooking for kids
- Adding to dishes where you want egg flavor without overwhelming other ingredients
Conclusion
So, are chicken eggs small at first? Absolutely yes! Those tiny first eggs are completely normal and a natural part of your hen’s development. Over time, egg size will gradually increase as your pullet matures into a full-grown laying hen.
Enjoy those cute little eggs while they last – they’re a special part of your backyard chicken journey that experienced chicken keepers often look back on fondly. Before you know it, your hens will be producing those full-sized eggs, and you might just find yourself missing those adorable little pullet eggs!
Have you experienced pullet eggs with your flock? What was your reaction to those first tiny treasures? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
What to Do If Your Chicken Keeps Laying Small Eggs
When they occur occasionally, tiny eggs are not indicative of a problem.
In pullets, a few tiny eggs in a row is not a concern as long as the hen in question eventually begins producing more normal-sized eggs.
In any other hen, however, regular or consistent tiny eggs definitely indicate a problem. It is most likely a reproductive problem but tiny eggs can also be linked to diet and disease. If your chicken is laying tiny eggs on the regular, it is best to consult a poultry veterinarian.
Coming Back After a Break
When hens come back into lay after a break, such as moulting or being broody, they might lay small eggs for a little while. Their systems take some time to get back to normal, but as long as their diet and environment are stable, their eggs should return to normal size.