Pullets are described as young hens that are usually under the age of one year old and have not yet begun to lay eggs but will eventually do so. Pullets can be purchased from a feed store or a hatchery, but make sure you ask for pullets and not straight runs. Without specifying, you might experience a rude awakening after a few months in the form of crowing.
In spite of the fact that a fully grown pullet will have a shiny new coat of feathers, it is not ready to lay eggs yet. Nonetheless, as the pullets age and approach the time when their particular breed begins to lay eggs, they are then considered hens, and are at the "point of lay."
Typically, pullets reach their "point of lay" between their 16th and 24th week, which is when they start laying their first egg. You should remember that the timeline may differ depending on the breed of chicken, and it may begin in fewer days or longer.
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?
In the form of the length of the day, mother nature triggers the chicken's egg-laying maturity. Chicks that hatch between April and August are naturally exposed to the length of days as daylight is reduced during the final portion of their growing period.
Your pullets are usually ready to lay eggs once they weigh approximately three pounds. It is at this time that you should begin light stimulation if you prefer to do so.
For a light schedule, the suggestions are that at 17 weeks they will need 13 hours of light, at 18 weeks they will need 14 hours of light, and at 19 weeks they will need 15 hours of light. Then gradually decrease the amount of light exposure to 12 hours a day per week after nineteen weeks. 4:30 am to 9:30 pm is the best time for light exposure. You can use a 60-watt bulb to achieve your lighting goals, but natural light is best whenever possible.
At around 16 to 24 weeks, your pullets will start their journey into the world of egg-laying if you have done your job as a caring and attentive flock keeper.
A change in feeding will be necessary at this point, as extra nutrition will be needed. In the case of pullets between the ages of 18-30 weeks, you will want to offer a layer ration that contains an 18 percent rating.
Please be aware that when you purchase strictly pullets, there may be an additional charge.
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.
Further Reading:
In spite of the fact that a fully grown pullet will have a shiny new coat of feathers, it is not ready to lay eggs yet. Nonetheless, as the pullets age and approach the time when their particular breed begins to lay eggs, they are then considered hens, and are at the "point of lay."
Typically, pullets reach their "point of lay" between their 16th and 24th week, which is when they start laying their first egg. You should remember that the timeline may differ depending on the breed of chicken, and it may begin in fewer days or longer.
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?
The Value Of Pullets
Hatcheries sell their baby chicks either as pullets, cockerels, or straight runs. Pullets, in general, are more expensive than cockerels, or straight-run chicks, as they are considered more valuable for their future use as egg layers. When you are looking for cost savings, you might want to consider purchasing started pullets instead of raising your chicks to hen age.Ready To Lay Pullets
Breeders will often sell pullets that are 17 weeks old and considered as "ready to lay." They are just about to begin laying eggs at this age. It is essential to keep in mind that pullets, just like any other fowl, can carry and transmit diseases that will infect your flock when added to an existing flock. Follow a strict, predetermined quarantine period or ensure that they have been tested and vaccinated.Delaying Maturity
When it comes to pullets, many new flock keepers are excited about the prospect of raising their chicks to become egg layers, but it is actually better to delay that maturation. The delay will give the pullets time to become stronger before they begin to lay eggs on a regular basis.In the form of the length of the day, mother nature triggers the chicken's egg-laying maturity. Chicks that hatch between April and August are naturally exposed to the length of days as daylight is reduced during the final portion of their growing period.
Your pullets are usually ready to lay eggs once they weigh approximately three pounds. It is at this time that you should begin light stimulation if you prefer to do so.
For a light schedule, the suggestions are that at 17 weeks they will need 13 hours of light, at 18 weeks they will need 14 hours of light, and at 19 weeks they will need 15 hours of light. Then gradually decrease the amount of light exposure to 12 hours a day per week after nineteen weeks. 4:30 am to 9:30 pm is the best time for light exposure. You can use a 60-watt bulb to achieve your lighting goals, but natural light is best whenever possible.
Egg Production
At around 16 to 24 weeks, your pullets will start their journey into the world of egg-laying if you have done your job as a caring and attentive flock keeper.
A change in feeding will be necessary at this point, as extra nutrition will be needed. In the case of pullets between the ages of 18-30 weeks, you will want to offer a layer ration that contains an 18 percent rating.
The Pros And Cons Of Buying Pullets
It is not a necessity to have a rooster if you do not intend to hatch your own chickens. When you only want eggs to sell or eat, pullets are your best option. In this case, you will need to determine how many pullets you will need and do not have to purchase and feed any additional cockerels.Please be aware that when you purchase strictly pullets, there may be an additional charge.
Signs That Your Pullet Is Maturing Into a Laying Hen
When your chicken moves from the pullet stage to the hen stage, there are a few tell-tale signs that she will soon start laying eggs.- 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 chicken's combs and wattles will appear both red and swollen.
- The hen's pelvis has begun to separate. A simple way to check this separation is to cradle the hen and hold her feet so she can't 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.
Conclusion
You can see that the main determinant of whether a chicken is a hen or a pullet is its age. Under one year of age, a chicken is called a pullet. She is referred to as a hen once she reaches the age of 16 to 24 weeks and begins her laying cycle.Further Reading:
