Age Of Adulthood

[kasey08]

i was wondering when is a chicken an adult. how old does a hen have to be before she lays?

 

[canada-goose]

They start laying at 5-6 months, usually.

 

[kasey08]

dont you put them in the coop at 8 weeks?

 

[gryeyes]

Yes, they're freeloaders until they lay, usually between 19 and 26 weeks, depending on the breed and the time of year they reach laying age.

They're "pullets" for their first year, then "hens" afterwards. Males are cockerels until they are roosters at a year of age. But we just call 'em hens and roos.

 

[kasey08]

thanks for the info

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