If you are planning to raise chickens for eggs or as a small poultry business, understanding basic poultry terms and stages is essential. Most people already know that male chickens are called roosters and adult females are hens, while baby chickens are chicks. But a young female chicken under one year old is known as a pullet. Knowing how pullets develop and perform is important because they play a key role in egg production and flock management.
Table of Contents
What Is a Pullet Chicken?
A pullet is a young hen that has not yet reached one year of age. A young male chicken is called a cockerel. In most cases, pullets have not started laying eggs yet, but they are close to becoming productive layers.
Once a pullet begins laying eggs, she transitions into a laying hen. However, forcing early laying can lead to health issues such as prolapse, so proper development time is important.
As pullets grow, they develop smooth, shiny feathers while their bodies continue maturing. Chickens aged 15–22 weeks are often called started pullets. Around 22 weeks, they reach the point of lay stage, meaning they are close to producing their first eggs.
Most pullets begin laying between 16 and 24 weeks of age. Their first eggs, known as pullet eggs, are usually smaller than standard eggs.
When buying from hatcheries, always confirm you are purchasing pullets. Otherwise, you may receive straight-run chickens (unsexed chicks). Note that naming conventions may vary by region, so clarify before purchasing.
Some chicken breeds are known for early egg production, including Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, Golden Comets, and Leghorns. Others such as Barred Rocks, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes tend to mature later.
Are Pullets More Expensive Than Chicks?
Pullets are generally more expensive than cockerels and straight-run chicks. In many cases, their price can be double due to their higher value for egg production.
Although the upfront cost is higher, buying started pullets can be more economical. You skip the brooding stage and reach egg production faster, reducing time, effort, and early-stage mortality risks.
What Are Ready-to-Lay Pullets?
Ready-to-lay pullets, also known as point-of-lay chickens, are birds that will begin laying eggs within a few weeks after purchase.
Before introducing them to your flock, ensure they are vaccinated and healthy. Quarantining new birds is recommended to prevent the spread of diseases.
Do Pullets Experience Delayed Maturity?
Yes, pullets can experience delayed sexual maturity, which is often beneficial. Slower development typically results in stronger birds and better long-term egg production.
Daylight exposure plays a major role in maturity. Pullets hatched between April and August naturally adjust to decreasing daylight, which supports proper development.
Artificial lighting can be used to stimulate egg production. A common lighting schedule includes:
- 13 hours of light at 17 weeks of age
- Increase by 1 hour weekly until reaching 17 hours
- Maintain consistent lighting up to 25 weeks
For small coops (around 12×12 feet), a 60-watt bulb is typically sufficient. A lighting schedule from 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. is commonly used.
Signs Pullets Are Ready to Lay Eggs
Besides reaching the typical age of 16–24 weeks, pullets show clear physical and behavioral signs before laying eggs:
- Comb and wattles become larger and bright red
- Squatting behavior when approached
- Interest in nest boxes
- Cleaner and more developed feathers
- Increased appetite
- Pelvic bones begin to widen
What to Do When Pullets Start Laying Eggs
Once your pullets begin laying, proper care is essential to maintain consistent egg production:
- Provide high-quality layer feed with adequate calcium
- Prepare clean and comfortable nesting boxes
- Use bedding such as straw, wood shavings, or shredded paper
- Ensure access to fresh water at all times
Clean nesting areas help produce cleaner eggs and reduce contamination risks.
Pros and Cons of Buying Pullets vs Chicks
Advantages of Pullets
- Faster egg production compared to chicks
- Require less intensive care and monitoring
- Stronger immune systems
- Lower early-stage mortality risk
- Ideal for egg-focused poultry setups
- More efficient long-term investment
Disadvantages of Pullets
- Higher upfront cost
- More expensive transportation
- Limited availability of certain breeds
- May experience stress during transport
- Harder to train compared to chicks
- Potential to carry diseases if not properly screened
Conclusion
Choosing between pullets and chicks depends on your goals. Pullets are ideal if you want quicker egg production and lower early-stage effort. Chicks, on the other hand, are better suited for those who enjoy raising chickens from the beginning. Understanding pullet development, care, and advantages will help you build a productive and healthy flock.
