Raising chickens can be an incredibly rewarding experience for any backyard farmer or homesteader However, it’s important to understand the different growth stages and ages of your flock to ensure their health and productivity. One key milestone in a hen’s development is the transition from chick to pullet But when exactly does this occur, and what can you expect as your flock matures? In this article, we’ll explore the key phases of a pullet chicken’s growth so you can better care for your flock.
What is a Pullet Chicken?
A pullet is a young female chicken under 1 year old that has not yet begun to lay eggs. They are typically raised for egg production and most pullets will start laying eggs between 16-24 weeks of age Once a pullet lays her first egg, she is then considered a hen
Knowing the age of your pullets is important for anticipating when they will start laying and reaching peak production. It also allows you to monitor their diet and make sure they are receiving adequate nutrition for their growth stage.
Physical Characteristics of Growing Pullets
As pullets mature from chicks into adults, you’ll notice some distinct physical changes that can help identify their age and development:
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4-8 weeks – Rapid feather growth, beginning of tail and wing feather development. Thin, immature legs.
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8-14 weeks – Sexual characteristics begin developing. Pullets develop rounded feathers while cockerels have pointed hackle feathers. Combs and wattles start changing color.
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14-18 weeks – Full plumage and red combs/wattles. Breast development. Thicker, mature legs.
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18-24 weeks – Reaching sexual maturity. Increased egg production preparation. Molting of chick feathers.
Behavioral Changes in Pullets
In addition to physical changes, you’ll see behavioral and temperamental changes as your pullets grow up:
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0-4 weeks – Require brooding, heat, and protection. Sleep and eat frequently. Playful, curious pecking behaviors.
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4-8 weeks – More active, exploratory, independent. Begin perching and foraging.
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8-18 weeks – Establish pecking order. Increased vocalizations. Cockerels begin crowing around 7-12 weeks.
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18-24 weeks – Heightened egg-laying behaviors like nesting, foraging. Less tolerant of flock mates.
Monitoring behaviors can provide insight into their growth stage and any potential issues.
Average Growth Rate and Egg Laying
The exact timing of sexual maturity and onset of laying will depend on factors like breed, diet, season, and overall health. However, here are some general timelines:
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Heritage breeds – Begin laying around 24 weeks. Require 5-7 months to reach maturity.
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Production breeds – Mature more quickly, around 16-20 weeks. Often start laying eggs as early as 18-22 weeks.
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Meat/Broiler breeds – Rapid growth, ready for processing around 6-8 weeks. Not bred for egg laying.
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Crossbreeds – Can vary greatly based on parent breeds. Often begin laying around 20-24 weeks.
Regardless of breed, make sure to transition pullets from a starter feed to a layer feed at 16-20 weeks to support egg production. Free choice access to calcium is also essential at this stage.
Caring for Pullets as They Age
Here are some tips for caring for your pullet flock and keeping them healthy:
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Gradually move pullets from brooder to coop at 4-8 weeks old once fully feathered.
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Monitor for signs of stress during molting around 18 weeks and increase protein in diet.
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Prevent bullying by separating pullets from older hens until at least 16 weeks old.
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Increase space allotments as pullets grow. Aim for 4 square feet indoor and 8-10 square feet outdoor per bird.
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Provide roosting bars and clean litter for natural behaviors. Allow access to grass/pasture when possible.
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Schedule regular health checks and talk to your vet about vaccinations/supplements for your area.
Signs of Aging in Laying Hens
Once your pullets begin laying eggs, they are considered mature hens. Here are some tips for identifying when your hens are entering old age:
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Decline in egg production, soft or thin shells
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Weight/muscle loss, bony prominence
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Lethargy, reduced activity
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Changes in temperament, becoming more reclusive
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Loss of feathers, dull/faded plumage
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Increased susceptibility to illness and parasites
Adjust care routines and diet for aging hens to keep them healthy and comfortable. Most hens live 5-10 years, though 7-8 years is average.
Summary
Understanding the distinct growth phases of pullets, from chicks to laying hens, allows you to optimize care and catch issues early. Look for physical and behavioral changes at each stage to assess health and development. With proper space, nutrition and preventative care through each phase, your pullet flock will mature into a bountiful source of farm-fresh eggs for years to come!
Stage 2: The Pullet Stage (6 Weeks – 6 Months)
After the chick stage, the young hens become pullets. This stage is characterized by rapid growth as they begin to mature. It’s an exciting stage because pullets typically start to develop their unique colors and patterns. It’s also during this stage where you would slowly start integrating them into your existing flock if you have one!
This transition takes a lot of patience, but I promise they will eventually all get along. If you want your chickens to be friends with you, it’s important to handle them, give them treats and spend a lot of time with them. There are so many people who don’t understand how my chickens will let me hold them, etc., but it’s because I’ve invested the time into them. And, it’s so worth it for the chicken snuggles!
Weeks 6-12: Learning the Social Rules
Stronger social behaviors emerge as pullets establish their place in the flock. This takes some babysitting to make sure everyone can play nice. I feed them a grower feed, which supports their rapid development. But, I will say, if you integrate them into your existing flock, they end up just eating the others’ layer feed. It’s tough to separate, but don’t worry. I haven’t had any trouble!
Months 4-6: Prepping for Egg Laying
Pullets will begin the transition to layers. Their bodies prepare for egg production, and they may exhibit nesting behaviors. You will notice they start submitting to you by squatting and staying still when they’re getting ready to lay. It’s so exciting!
Stage 3: The Laying Hen Stage (6 Months & Beyond)
Once a pullet reaches around 6 months of age, she usually starts laying eggs. This is dependent on their breed and health of course.
I will never forget my first egg! It was one of the most exciting days in our backyard! I’m pretty sure the neighbors heard all about it from my excited shouts! Hahaha!
The Simple Way to Tell How Old Your Chickens Are
FAQ
At what age does a chick become a pullet?
A chick transitions to a pullet stage, also known as the “teenage” hen, at around 8 weeks of age. This period, sometimes extending up to 16 weeks, is characterized by continued growth and development, though at a slower pace than the initial chick stage.
Can I put my 5 week old chickens outside?
Generally, 5-week-old chickens are not fully ready to be outside full-time, but you can start introducing them to supervised outdoor time in a safe, protected space. They need to be fully feathered and able to regulate their own body temperature, which usually happens around 6-8 weeks old.
What is a pullet vs hen?
A ‘pullet’ is a young hen that is under 1 years of age, and has not started laying eggs yet. Pullets are fully grown, and will have a full coat of shiny new feathers. However, their body is still developing, and isn’t ready to lay eggs.
How can you tell how old a pullet is?
No. There really is no definitive way to look at a chicken and know it’s age. On a personal note, I have to say that as my flock ages, it’s amazing to look back and see how my birds have changed over time. It’s like they always say that people change gradually and those closest to them never notice.
What is a pullet chicken?
Pullet chickens are young hens that have not yet reached full maturity. They are typically raised from day-old chicks to about 16-18 weeks of age before being sold to backyard chicken keepers or small-scale farmers as replacement layers. The purpose of raising pullet chickens is to provide a source of fresh eggs for the consumer.
When do chickens become pullets?
Until female chickens are one year of age, they are called pullets. Share this post: on Twitteron Facebookon Google+ Related posts: How many ears do chickens have?
When do Pullet chickens start laying eggs?
When it comes to pullet chickens, understanding their age ranges is crucial for predicting significant milestones like egg-laying, maturity, and peak production. On average, pullets begin laying eggs at around 16-20 weeks of age, with some breeds starting as early as 14 weeks.
How do you know if a pullet chicken is old?
As you examine a pullet chicken, several physical characteristics can give away its age. One of the most noticeable indicators is comb color. At around 12-16 weeks, combs start to turn bright red and become fully developed. If the comb is still pale or doesn’t seem fully grown, it could indicate that the bird is younger.
Are baby chicks better than older pullets?
“They are way more fun to play with and integrating baby chicks with adult chickens is easier than older pullets,” says Carol, who uses a gradual integration technique that involves brooding chicks near the adult flock in a pen with chick-size openings into the main run. “Their small size is less threatening to an adult flock.”
How do you know if a pullet chicken is golden?
As your pullet chickens age, it’s essential to recognize signs that indicate they’re entering their golden years. One of the most noticeable changes is a decrease in egg production. Hens typically begin to slow down around 4-5 years of age, laying fewer eggs as their reproductive cycle winds down.