There is nothing better than getting little chicks. I love listening to their tiny peeps and spend hours just observing their behaviors. They are tiny, fluffy, and usually very sweet. Enjoy this stage while you can, because it won’t last long!
Chicks grow into chickens really fast! And if you want happy, healthy hens that will lay plenty of eggs, it’s important to understand each stage of their development and provide the right nutrition and care along the way.
Raising chickens from day-old chicks is an incredibly rewarding experience. In just six short weeks, those little fuzzballs grow into fledgling chickens ready to move to the coop and start laying eggs But what exactly happens during those magical six weeks? Read on for a complete guide to the remarkable transformation of chicks at six weeks old
Week 1: Fluffy and Unsteady
Day-old chicks look more like cotton balls with legs when they come out of the incubator. Their down is soft and fluffy, and their legs are so thin and weak that they can barely stand up. At this point, the chicks sleep a lot and bunch up to stay warm and cozy. When awake, they drink water and peck at starter feed. Their high-pitched peeping melts chicken keepers’ hearts.
Week 2: Feathers Sprouting
Chicks look a little less fragile at two weeks old, but they are still very cute. They can walk and run better and are more stable on their feet. Small pinfeathers start to poke through the down, giving them a spiky look. Chicks are more active and inquisitive now. Their personalities start to take shape, and you’ll see more daring “leaders” in the flock.
Week 3: Getting Feathery
Chicks get feathers all over their bodies by the time they are three weeks old. Wing and tail feathers grow rapidly. That’s right, the chicks are drinking a lot of water and eating more starter feed. They like to clean their new feathers by taking dust baths in the brooder. Chicks get stronger and more independent, but they still sleep close together at night. You can begin introducing treats like mealworms and greens.
Week 4: Gaining Size
At four weeks old, chick feathers grow in thicker. Distinct roosters develop slightly larger combs and wattles. Chicks are quite active and their chick personalities shine through. They flap their wings and begin roosting on low perches. You’ll notice bickering and establishing the “pecking order. “Chicks should have feathers all over their wings, bodies, and tails.”
Week 5: Nearly Full Grown
Your five week old chickens look like proper little hens and roosters, though on a smaller scale. They are fully feathered except for some fluffy down remaining on their heads and necks. Young roosters attempt to crow but can only manage hoarse squeaks. Chicks enjoy exploring and treat foraging like a game. You can introduce grown-up perches and nest boxes now.
Week 6: Ready for the Coop
At six weeks old, chickens have reached a major milestone and look like miniature adults. Their juvenile feathering is complete and they are fully feathered except for small bare patches behind the combs and wattles. Chickens have established gender roles and flock dynamics. They are eating adult layer feed well. Six weeks marks “point of lay” for some breeds, so be on the lookout for first eggs!
Raising chickens from day-old chicks to six weeks old is a wonderful adventure. You’ll be amazed by how rapidly chicks transform into young chickens during their first six weeks of life. With proper care and feeding, your chicks will grow into healthy, thriving chickens ready to move outdoors to the coop. Just remember to document each stage with lots of adorable photos!
Week by Week Changes
Here’s a quick weekly recap of the major changes chicks undergo during their first six weeks:
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Week 1: Fluffy cotton balls with legs. Unsteady, sleep a lot.
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Week 2: Getting steadier, pinfeathers emerging. More active.
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Week 3: Sprouting wing and tail feathers. Eating/drinking more.
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Week 4: Feathers growing thicker. Roosting, bickering.
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Week 5: Fully feathered except some neck fuzz. Attempted crowing.
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Week 6: Juvenile feathers complete. Gender roles defined.
What to Expect at 6 Weeks Old
So what exactly can you expect from your six week old chickens? Here are some of the key traits:
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Full Juvenile Plumage: Feathering is complete except for bare areas behind the comb and wattles. Hens lose their chick down.
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Gender Differences: Roosters develop larger combs/wattles, exhibit male behavior. Hens are typically smaller.
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Established Pecking Order: Dominant chickens emerged. Bickering and pecking establishes rankings.
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Foraging Skills: Chickens enjoy pecking, scratching, and foraging for treats. Natural behaviors emerge.
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Roosting Instinct: Perching on high roosts at night for safety and comfort. May need low roosts at first.
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Dust Bathing: Chickens take frequent dust baths to clean feathers and skin. Provide them a dust bathing area.
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Eating Layer Feed: Able to transition fully to adult layer feed. Provide starter feed if still adjusting.
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Ready for the Coop: At six weeks, young chickens are ready to transfer to the outdoor coop.
Signs Your Chicks are Ready for the Coop at 6 Weeks
How do you know precisely when your chickens are ready to make the big move? Watch for these signs of coop readiness around 6 weeks old:
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Fully Feathered: Chickens have complete feathering coverage except for small bare patches behind comb and wattles.
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Mature Behavior: Your chickens roost, forage, and behave like mini adult chickens.
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Eating Layer Feed: Chickens are eating and digesting layer feed well without issue.
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Weather Hardy: Fully feathered chickens can handle fluctuations in temperature and weather.
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Space Issues: Your brooder is feeling cramped. Chickens need more space.
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Minimal Heat Needed: Chickens no longer huddle under the heat lamp for warmth.
When you notice these signs, it’s time to transition your six week old chickens into their permanent coop and run. They’ll relish all that new space to roost, dust bathe, scratch, and forage in the fresh air and sunshine. Just be sure to move them gradually over several days and continue providing supplemental heat as needed. With patience and care, you’ll have happy young chickens thriving in their coop in no time.
Common Breeds and Appearance at 6 Weeks
While all chickens undergo the same basic changes, their specific size, color, and appearance at six weeks old depend on the breed. Here’s what to expect from some popular backyard chicken breeds:
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Rhode Island Reds: Rich mahogany red plumage. Yellow legs/skin. Single combs.
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Australorps: Glossy black feathers. Red combs/wattles. Fast-growing.
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Orpingtons: Big and fluffy. Buff Orpingtons have golden head and neck at 6 weeks.
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Leghorns: White or brown feathers depending on variety. Large red combs and wattles. Spunky.
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Silkies: Fluffy, adorable feathered heads and feet. Smaller bantam bodies.
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Cochins: Abundant long, fluffy plumage. Look like feathery pompoms. Slower growing.
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Polish: Silly topknot feathers on their head. White crest varieties easiest to sex.
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Barred Rocks: Distinctive black and white barred pattern emerging on feathers. Hardy and active.
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Easter Eggers: Vary widely in color and pattern. Sweet temperaments. Medium sized.
Regardless of the breed, all healthy chickens raised with proper care should reach their juvenile feathering by six weeks old. Tracking breed differences just adds to the fun of chicken keeping!
The transformation from delicate day-old chick to young chicken in just six short weeks is nothing short of remarkable. With proper nutrition, housing, and care, you’ll be amazed at their rapid growth and development. Getting to see those little peepers mature into chickens with their own personality quirks and behaviors is one of the greatest joys of raising backyard chickens. So fill your brooder, select your breeds, and get ready for six weeks of pure chicken-keeping magic!
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. Handle your chickens, feed them treats, and spend a lot of time with them if you want them to be friendly. 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 that if you add them to your current flock, they will only eat the other chickens’ 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 always remember when I laid my first egg. It was one of the happiest days in our backyard, and I think the neighbors heard all about it because I was so excited! Haha!
Hen and Rooster at 6 weeks, how to tell Barnefelder
FAQ
How to tell if a chick is 6 weeks old?
By week 5, the chicks should have a full set of feathers and look like little chickens. Then they will molt, or lose their feathers and grow in new ones to accommodate their rapidly growing bodies. By week 6, the chicks will grow into pullets and should be fully feathered.
What does a 6 week old baby chicken look like?
6-week-old chickens should be fully feathered and can tolerate cooler temperatures.
How can you tell a 6 week old hen from a rooster?
The combs and wattles on a rooster will be darker pink and they will grow faster and larger than a hen’s combs and wattle.
Do chickens need a heat lamp at 6 weeks?
Keep your chicks in a garage or barn that is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They will need a heat lamp until they are six weeks old and have all of their feathers.