How old does hen have to be to have viable chicks

[SeanWilmNC]

Once a hen starts to lay and has been with the rooster will those fertile eggs turn out to be normal size chicks? I am wondering if a young hen will have smaller eggs, lower fertility or small unacceptable chicks. Or once she has mated all of the chicks will be the same no matter her age? Can someone shine a little light on this for me?

 

[sourland]

Most people do not hatch pullet eggs because of their small size. Some hens initiate laying with larger eggs from the get go. Pullet eggs are viable, but chicks may initially be smaller and weaker.

 

[SeanWilmNC]

So then how old should a hen be before it is breed for chicks to restock the flock?

 

[sourland]

Well it varies from breed to breed and from hen to hen within a breed. A general answer might once the eggs are medium or better in size.