When I first started raising chickens in my backyard I was confused about all the terminology. Hens pullets, cockerels – it felt like learning a whole new language! The question that kept coming up was exactly how old is a pullet chicken?
If you’re wondering the same thing you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to break down everything you need to know about pullet chickens their ages, and how to care for them at each stage of development.
What Exactly is a Pullet Chicken?
Let’s start with the basics. A pullet chicken is simply a young female chicken that hasn’t started laying eggs yet. Generally speaking, most chicken keepers consider a female chicken to be a pullet from the time she’s no longer a chick until she starts laying eggs.
In more technical terms:
- A pullet is a female chicken under one year of age
- She has outgrown the chick stage but hasn’t started laying eggs
- Once she begins egg production, she technically becomes a “hen”
The Age Timeline of Pullet Chickens
Understanding the growth stages of chickens helps you provide the right care at the right time. Here’s how the timeline typically breaks down:
| Age Stage | Typical Age Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Chick | 0-6 weeks | Downy feathers, rapid growth |
| Pullet | 6 weeks – 6 months | Growing adult feathers, maturing |
| Point of Lay | 16-24 weeks | Ready to begin egg production |
| Laying Hen | 6+ months | Actively producing eggs |
| Mature Hen | 18+ months | Established laying pattern |
The Detailed Pullet Growth Timeline
Weeks 6-12: Early Pullet Stage
During this period your young chickens are officially considered pullets. They’re no longer the tiny fluffballs you brought home but they’re still developing. At this stage
- They’ll be learning social behaviors and establishing the pecking order
- Their adult feathers are growing in, replacing the downy fluff
- They require a grower feed to support their rapid development
- Their combs and wattles are beginning to develop more prominently
I remember when my Rhode Island Red pullets hit this stage – they looked so awkward! Half adult feathers, half baby fluff, and incredibly curious about everything. It’s such a fun time to watch them grow.
Weeks 12-16: Middle Pullet Stage
This is when your pullets really start to look like miniature versions of adult chickens:
- Their adult plumage is almost fully developed
- They’re more active and social with established hierarchies
- Their bodies are growing rapidly
- You’ll notice them beginning to explore nesting areas
Weeks 16-24: Pre-Laying Pullet Stage
This is the exciting time when your pullets are getting ready to become productive members of your flock:
- Their combs and wattles become larger and redder
- They’ll begin exhibiting “squatting” behavior when approached
- Their bodies are preparing for egg production
- You might notice them exploring nesting boxes more frequently
Around the 16-20 week mark, many pullets will reach sexual maturity, though they may not start laying immediately. I’ll never forget the day my first pullet started to squat when I approached her – I knew eggs weren’t far behind!
When Do Pullets Start Laying Eggs?
The million-dollar question! Pullets typically start laying eggs between 16-24 weeks of age, but this can vary significantly based on:
- Breed (some lay earlier than others)
- Season (shorter daylight hours can delay laying)
- Nutrition (proper diet is essential for egg production)
- Overall health and environment
For example, production breeds like Leghorns may start laying as early as 16-18 weeks, while heritage breeds might not start until 24-26 weeks. My Buff Orpingtons didn’t start laying until nearly 26 weeks, while my Leghorns started at 17 weeks.
How to Tell if Your Pullet is Ready to Lay
As your pullet approaches laying age, watch for these telltale signs:
- Comb and wattle development: They’ll become larger and turn bright red
- The “squat”: When approached, ready-to-lay pullets will often crouch down (this is a mating position)
- Nesting behavior: Increased interest in nest boxes
- Widening pelvis bones: If you gently feel (with clean hands) the area below their vent, you’ll notice the pelvic bones spreading to about three fingers width apart
Feeding Your Pullet Chicken
Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy pullet development:
- Weeks 6-16: Provide a quality “grower” feed with 16-18% protein
- Weeks 16 onward: Transition to a “layer” feed with 15-17% protein and added calcium once they’re approaching laying age
- Always: Provide access to fresh, clean water
- Supplements: Consider adding grit for digestion and oyster shell for calcium once they start laying
I learned the hard way that switching to layer feed too early can cause kidney problems in pullets, while switching too late can lead to thin-shelled eggs. Around 16 weeks is usually the sweet spot for most breeds.
Housing Your Pullet Chickens
As your pullets grow, their housing needs change:
- Space requirements: Each pullet needs at least 2-3 square feet of coop space and 8-10 square feet of run space
- Roosting bars: Provide 8-10 inches of roost space per bird
- Nesting boxes: Add these around 16 weeks (1 box per 4-5 hens)
- Protection: Ensure predator-proof housing with proper ventilation
My pullets always seemed to enjoy exploring their environment as they grew. I found that adding new perches and simple toys kept them engaged and reduced any bullying behaviors.
Integrating Pullets with Older Chickens
If you’re adding pullets to an existing flock, you’ll need to be careful about integration:
- Keep them separate until pullets are at least 12-16 weeks old
- Allow visual contact without physical access for 1-2 weeks
- Introduce them during daylight hours when chickens are less territorial
- Provide multiple feeding and watering stations
- Monitor closely for excessive bullying
I once made the mistake of introducing 10-week pullets to my adult flock too soon, and it was a disaster! The older hens were relentless in establishing dominance. Patience is definitely key here.
Pullet Health Considerations
Keeping your pullets healthy requires attention to:
- Vaccinations: Consider vaccinations for common diseases like Marek’s
- Parasite prevention: Regular checks for mites, lice, and worms
- Space: Overcrowding leads to stress and disease
- Nutrition: Proper diet prevents many health issues
- Observation: Check regularly for signs of illness
I make it a habit to do a quick health check on my pullets each evening when they roost. It’s amazing what you can catch early just by paying attention!
The Value of Pullets
Many chicken keepers prefer to purchase pullets rather than chicks because:
- They’re past the fragile chick stage that requires special brooding
- They’re closer to egg-laying age
- You can more easily determine their gender (no surprise roosters!)
- They require less specialized care than chicks
However, pullets typically cost more than chicks because of the time and resources invested in raising them to this stage.
Common Questions About Pullet Age
Do pullet eggs taste different?
Pullet eggs are usually smaller than eggs from mature hens, but they taste the same. Some folks even believe they’re creamier! The size will increase as the pullet matures.
What’s a male pullet called?
There’s no such thing as a male pullet! Young male chickens are called cockerels until they reach maturity (around 1 year), when they become roosters.
Can I delay when my pullets start laying?
Yes, you can somewhat delay maturity by controlling light exposure. Pullets need about 14-16 hours of light daily to trigger egg laying. Limiting light can delay production, which may be beneficial for their long-term health.
How long will my chicken be a pullet?
A chicken is generally considered a pullet from about 6 weeks until she starts laying eggs (around 16-24 weeks). After she begins laying, she’s technically a hen, though some people continue using the term “pullet” until the bird reaches 1 year of age.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the age and development stages of pullet chickens helps you provide the best care possible for your growing flock. Whether you’re raising chicks into pullets or purchasing ready-to-lay pullets, knowing what to expect at each stage makes chicken keeping much more enjoyable.
Remember that while these age guidelines are typical, individual chickens develop at their own pace. Some pullets might start laying earlier or later than expected. The key is to provide consistent care, proper nutrition, and a safe environment for your birds to thrive.
Have you raised pullets before? What age did your different breeds start laying? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Are Chicks Pullets? The common understanding of a pullet, according to the above definition, is that it is a young female chicken that is not yet old enough to lay her very first eggs. A female day-old laying chicken, for example, is considered by some chicken breeders to be a pullet, as well. Who would have believed that a day-old chick could also be considered a pullet by some?
- It will be between 16 and 24 weeks old.
- There will be no trace of old downy feathers left after the bird has grown new, clean feathers.
- The chickens combs and wattles will appear both red and swollen.
- The hens pelvis has begun to separate. A simple way to check this separation is to cradle the hen and hold her feet so she cant kick you. Next, gently feel their rear end to determine if there are three prominent bones that are close together. The pullet will begin its laying cycle in a few weeks if the bones are positioned in this manner.
It can be quite stressful for a chicken to lay eggs at any point in their lives, but especially so when they first begin. To get the job done, your hen needs a comfy nesting box filled with wood chips or straw. If you provide her with a safe, comfortable, and secure place to sleep, she will be more productive.