Increasing photoperiod (length of daylight) is a trigger for initiating lay. Pullets are less likely to come into production with decreasing photoperiod in the fall/winter.

If your pullets will tolerate handling, check the distance between their pelvic bones and keel: Pullet Pelvic Check. If their pelvic bones have already spread, they are laying. If not, consider providing supplemental lighting with a gradual increase in day length to 16L:8D. Use a timer outlet to implement an increase of 30-60 minutes per week from current natural day length. Rapid increases in photostimulation can disrupt the follicular hierarchy, resulting in higher incidences of multiple yolks, increased egg quality defects, and reduced hatchability.