Do you need a rooster to get your chickens to start laying eggs?

No, they will lay eggs even if they don't have a rooster. If you want chicks however you have to have a rooster.
Yes chickens doo. they start to lay eggs at about 6-8 weeks of age regardless if there is a rooster around or not. if you have a rooster you can not eat the eggs as they may be fertile. in extreem heat or cold chickens may not lay for a few weeks expectialy if the temprature changed quickley. chickens also go cluckey, wich means they want to become a mum. they will sit on the nest if the is a egg there or not and can die if it is very hot. it is then they must be taken of the nest by force. when nesting they can be quite frocious and peek you. they will also do this without a rooster. they are great to have around and make your home feel that little bit better.