When do they become hens

[rstampa]

I read a lot about pullets and hens. What is the difference if they are all laying eggs? And when do pullets become hens? What is the physical change in them.
Thanks

 

[Friend of Feathers]

Here's a bump. I'm curious about the answer too.

 

[greathorse]

At 12 months of age pullets magically become hens. This is true on the show floor, and I believe generally accepted protocol all the way around.

 

[Flippacase]

I thought it was as son as a pullet lays her first egg, she becomes a hen?

 

[gritsar]

A female chicken is a pullet until one year of age, then a hen.
A male chicken is a cockerel until one year of age, then a rooster.

 

[canada-goose]

Quote:
Exactly. Couldn't have put it better myself!

 

[wohneli]

They are all fluffy butts until they get feathers - lol!!!

 

[greathorse]

Quote:
If this were true there would be no pullet eggs!! LOL. What Gritstar said.

 

[rstampa]

You all say they become hens when they reach 12 months old. My question is why is 12 months the magic number and not, let's say 10 months or 18 months or perhaps 11 months. That is my question. Does anyone know why it has been decided at 12 months. I would like to know the physiological reason. Does anyone know?

 

[gsim]

There is no physiological reason. It is a custom far older than any of us are, even me!