Chickens are amazing creatures that go through an incredible transformation throughout their life Understanding the different stages of a chicken’s life can help you better care for your flock In this article, we’ll break down the chicken life cycle into four main phases egg, chick, pullet, and hen.

The Egg Phase

The chicken life cycle begins inside the egg. For an egg to be fertilized, a rooster needs to mate with a hen After mating, the hen will ovulate and release a yolk from her ovary As the yolk travels down the oviduct, it will get fertilized internally by the rooster’s sperm.

Albumen (egg white) and membranes will cover the fertilized egg as it moves down the oviduct over the next 25 hours. In the end, the shell will harden around it before the hen lays the whole egg.

Hens generally lay clutches of around 12 eggs, with each egg being laid about 24-26 hours apart. The hen will then sit on the eggs to keep them warm so the chicks can develop. Incubation takes around 21 days for most chicken breeds.

The Chick Phase

During the 21-day incubation period, the fertilized egg will use the yolk to grow into a chick embryo. Around day 19, the chick will use its egg tooth to make a hole in the air cell so it can hatch. After breaking through the shell, the wet chick will emerge.

Chicks that have just been hatched have down feathers that dry quickly. Most can stand and walk right away. Young chicks need to be kept in a brooder with a heat lamp for the first few weeks to keep them warm. They’ll also need starter feed and clean water.

As chicks get bigger, within a week or two, their first real feathers start to show. By 4 to 6 weeks old, they’ll have all of their feathers and be able to keep their own body temperature stable. This is when they can transition out of the brooder.

The Pullet Phase

The period between chick and adulthood is known as the pullet phase. Pullets are adolescent chickens under 1 year old. Their combs and wattles will become more pronounced. You’ll notice them becoming lankier as they grow.

Around 16-24 weeks, pullets will reach sexual maturity and lay their first small eggs. The age varies slightly between breeds. Their feathers will be replaced during the first molt which usually happens in late summer or fall after they start laying.

As pullets integrate into the adult flock, expect some chaos while they establish the new pecking order. Try introducing them before 12 weeks if possible to avoid fighting. The earlier the better.

The Hen Phase

Once a pullet lays her first egg, she becomes a hen! Laying hens under 2 years old are highly productive egg layers. As they reach 2-3 years old, their egg production will start declining.

The average lifespan of a chicken is 5-8 years, though they can live over 10 years with proper care. As hens age, you’ll notice reduced energy levels, thicker legs, and duller facial features. Annual molting may impact how many eggs they lay.

An older hen that has stopped laying entirely is commonly known as a spent hen. But she still has lots of love to give and enjoys basking in the sun! Let her live out her retirement years happily.

Key Milestones in a Chicken’s Life

Now that we’ve covered the main life stages, let’s look at some more specific developmental milestones and timeframes:

• Day 1: Egg hatches after 21 days of incubation
• Day 3: Yolk sac is absorbed into the chick’s body
• Day 5: First true feathers start emerging
• Day 7: Egg tooth falls off
• 1 week: Chicks are eating and drinking independently
• 2 weeks: Wing feathers begin growing
• 3 weeks: Tail feathers start appearing
• 4 weeks: Fully feathered and ready to transition off heat lamp
• 6 weeks: Comb and wattle are visibly developing
• 8 weeks: Gender can be identified based on feathering
• 12 weeks: Established pecking order within flock
• 16-24 weeks: First eggs laid marking onset of lay
• 1 year: Pullets become hens after first molt
• 2+ years: Egg production declines as hens age
• 5-8 years: Average lifespan of most chicken breeds

Of course, every chicken develops a little differently. But this timeline gives a general overview of what to expect as your flock matures.

Caring for Chickens at Each Stage

Raising chickens is very rewarding but also requires dedication. It’s vital to understand how to properly care for chickens at each phase of development. Here are some key considerations:

Chicks:

• Maintain brooder temp of 95°F first week, lowered by 5°F each week
• Provide starter feed with minimum 20% protein
• Give fresh, clean water daily
• Use paper towel or pine shavings for litter
• Avoid drafts, moisture buildup, chilling

Pullets:

• Transition to grower feed with 16% protein
• Introduce nest boxes before first lay
• Monitor for bullying as they integrate into flock
• Discourage egg eating habits
• Prevent parasites, frostbite, and illness

Laying Hens:

• Provide layer feed with 16-18% protein, 3-4% calcium
• Collect eggs frequently to prevent breakage
• Clean nest boxes weekly
• Offer oyster shell supplement
• Maintain molting support and routine care
• Check for impacted egg, prolapse, and tumors

Geriatric Hens:

• Switch back to grower feed as egg production ceases
• Continue parasite prevention and treatment
• Monitor for age-related health issues
• Provide low roosts and limit high climbing
• Give access to grit for digestion
• Ensure they receive adequate nutrition

Adjust care as needed for your specific flock and housing setup. But following these basic guidelines will give your chickens the best chance at living a long, healthy, and productive life from egg to old age.

The Rewarding Journey of Chicken Keeping

Raising chickens is an extremely enjoyable endeavor. Bearing witness to their incredible development from fragile hatchlings to laying hens is a privilege. The chicken life cycle exemplifies nature’s wonder.

With proper care and devotion, you’ll be rewarded with healthy hens and fresh eggs for many years. Educate yourself on the phases of chicken growth so you can support your flock every step of the way. The more you know about chicken behavior and biology, the better chicken keeper you’ll be.

Enjoy the journey of learning together with your flock. May your chickens live long, fulfill their natural behaviors, and bring you immense joy as you observe the fascinating process of their growth and development firsthand.