Hen vs Pullet: Key Differences Every Chicken Keeper Should Know
A hen is any adult female chicken that has begun laying eggs. A pullet is a young female chicken, typically under one year old and not yet in full lay.
At the feed store, “hens” and “pullets” sit in the same pen, so shoppers assume they’re interchangeable. Backyard keepers planning egg timelines get caught off guard when the “hen” they bought hasn’t started laying because she’s actually still a pullet.
Key Differences
Hens sport bright red combs, lay 4–6 eggs weekly, and have fully developed wattles. Pullets have smaller, pinkish combs, produce tiny or no eggs, and retain adolescent feathering. Body size differs too: hens feel heavy and wide, pullets feel light and narrow.
Which One Should You Choose?
Need eggs tomorrow? Buy a proven laying hen. Want to bond early and save money? Choose a healthy pullet; she’ll start laying in 4–8 weeks. Always verify age and vaccination cards to avoid surprises.
Examples and Daily Life
Imagine a suburban coop: six red hens deliver breakfast daily, while three pullets provide entertainment and future egg security. In six months, those pullets graduate to hen status, doubling flock output without extra coop space.
Can a pullet become a hen overnight?
No—she matures gradually; first egg marks the official transition.
Do feed requirements differ?
Yes; pullets need grower crumbles, hens need layer pellets with extra calcium.
Will mixing them cause pecking issues?
Introduce slowly; size disparity can lead to bullying until pullets catch up.