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 so sweet! It’s important to enjoy this stage because it doesn’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.
For any backyard farmer or homesteader, raising chickens can be a very rewarding experience. However, it’s important to know the different stages of growth and ages of your flock to make sure they stay healthy and productive. The change from chick to pullet is an important step in a hen’s development. But when does it happen, and what can you expect as your flock gets older? This article will explain the main stages of a pullet chicken’s growth so you can better take care of 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
Pullets go through some clear physical changes as they grow from chicks to adults that can help you figure out their age and level of development:
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4–8 weeks: Feathers grow quickly, and tail and wing feathers start to form. 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.
No matter what breed, make sure to switch pullets from a starter feed to a layer feed between 16 and 20 weeks to help them lay eggs. At this point, it’s also important to have free access to calcium.
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 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. They will start to give in to you by squatting and staying still as they get ready to lay down. 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. During this stage, which can last up to 16 weeks, the chick continues to grow and develop, but at a slower rate than during the first stage.
Can I put my 5 week old chickens outside?
Five-week-old chickens are usually not ready to be outside all the time, but you can start letting them spend time outside while being watched in a safe area. They need to have all of their feathers and be able to control their own body temperature. This usually happens when they are 6 to 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.