bird names

[Firework]

How old does a female chicken have to be to be called a
"Hen"? Does she have to be laying?

 

[shelleyd2008]

I beleive the correct age is 1 year, but most people do seem to refer to a 'laying bird' as a hen regardless of the age.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

They earn the name 'hen' when they lay an egg...IMO

 

[Firework]

What about a male bird. When do they get to be called a rooster? Do they have to be the top bird?

 

[joedie]

I believe that in purebred poultry circles they do not become hens or roosters until 1 yr old, but alot of people call them by those names when they start to lay or in the roosters case, when he starts to breed and fertilize the eggs.

 

[call ducks]

yes the "hens" are hens when they are 1 yr old. the "rooster" is called rooster at 1 yr old. alltho they are called that before they are 1yr old.

 

[Firework]

Okay, and what is a "pullet"?

 

[Kezzie]

A pullet is a female chicken less than a year and a cockerel is a male chicken less than a year.

 

[Firework]

Okay, I think I've got it. Thanks for all of your help.