Production Red Chickens: When Our Backyard Chickens Finally Started Laying Eggs
We Have Eggs!
After months of raising our backyard chickens, we finally had our first exciting surprise in the nesting box, eggs!
We got our chickens back in October, and I had been wondering when they would finally start laying. I knew it should happen around this time of year, but there’s something really exciting about opening the nesting box and seeing those first eggs sitting there.
One afternoon, I checked the coop and found not just one egg, but several sitting together in the same nesting box.
It was one of those small backyard moments that makes raising chickens completely worth it.
Why We Chose Production Red Chickens
Before we brought our chickens home, I originally planned to get Golden Comets. They’re known for laying a lot of eggs and having a calm temperament, which made them appealing for a backyard flock.
However, when we went to our local Rural King, they didn’t have Golden Comets available. One of the employees suggested we look at Production Red chickens as an alternative.
After learning a little more about them, the recommendation made a lot of sense.
Production Reds are known for:
Excellent egg production
Friendly and calm temperament
Good behavior around children
Being hardy and adaptable backyard chickens
Since we have a young child, temperament was an important factor for me. I wanted chickens that would be productive but also gentle enough to feel comfortable having around our backyard.
Production Reds are also known for producing a high number of brown eggs each year, which made them a great choice for our small backyard setup.
Even though they weren’t the breed I originally planned on getting, I’m really glad we ended up choosing them.
When Our Chickens Started Laying
Our chickens were about five months old when we found the first eggs.
Most chickens begin laying somewhere between 18 and 24 weeks old, depending on the breed, the season, and the amount of daylight they receive.
Since we got our chickens in the fall, I suspected they might wait until the days started getting a little longer again before they began laying.
Sure enough, right around that time, eggs appeared.
Signs Our Chickens Were Getting Ready to Lay
Looking back, there were a few signs that our chickens were getting close to laying eggs.
They started:
Spending more time exploring the nesting boxes
Becoming more vocal than usual
Scratching around the nesting area more often
Developing brighter red combs and wattles
At the time I didn’t fully recognize these signs, but now it makes sense that they were preparing to start laying.
Finding the First Eggs
When I opened the nesting box and saw those eggs sitting there, it was a really satisfying moment.
Raising backyard chickens takes a little patience, so seeing the first eggs felt like a reward for all the time spent caring for them.
Interestingly, they all chose the same nesting box, even though they had several available.
Apparently that’s pretty normal. Chickens often follow each other’s example and prefer using the same box.
What I’ve Learned So Far
If you’re new to backyard chickens like we are, here are a few things I’ve already learned.
Chickens will often all use the same nesting box
The first eggs can be smaller than normal
Sometimes multiple eggs appear suddenly
Chickens usually lay earlier in the day
Checking the coop has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the day.
Note: If you chose to let your chickens free range around the backyard, like mine, try to keep them in the coop between 8AM & Noon. By doing this, it encourages them to lay only in the coop and not in random places around your yard, like bushes.
Final Thoughts
Finding those first eggs was a small moment, but it felt like a big milestone in our backyard homesteading journey.
We started with just a four chickens and the hope of eventually having fresh eggs. Now that it’s happening, it feels pretty special.
I’m excited to see how things continue to grow from here and I’m sure this is just the beginning of many more backyard homesteading adventures.
If you're thinking about raising backyard chickens, Production Reds have been a great choice for our family so far. Friendly temperament, reliable egg production, and easy care make them a great option for beginners.
FAQ About Production Red Chickens
How many eggs do Production Red chickens lay?
Production Red chickens are known for being very productive layers and can often produce around 250–300 brown eggs per year under good conditions.
Are Production Red chickens good for beginners?
Yes. They are generally considered a great breed for beginners because they are hardy, productive, and typically have a calm temperament.
Are Production Red chickens good around children?
In many backyard flocks they are known for being fairly gentle and adaptable, which is one of the reasons we chose them for our family.
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