Hens typically start laying eggs around 18 to 24 weeks of age, which is about 4 to 6 months. This can vary based on the breed, with some fast-maturing breeds like Leghorns and Golden Comets starting as early as 16 weeks, while heritage breeds may take longer, sometimes up to 8 months or more. Factors like nutrition, daylight length, and flock dynamics can also influence when a hen begins laying eggs. Hens generally need about 14-16 hours of light per day to maintain regular laying cycles.