A pullet is a young female chicken that has not yet started laying eggs. Typically, pullets are under one year old and have reached full feathering but are still maturing physically and not yet at the "point of lay," which is when they begin to produce eggs. This stage usually occurs between 16 and 24 weeks of age, depending on the breed
. Pullets are distinguished from cockerels, which are young male chickens. Hatcheries and feed stores often sell pullets that have been sexed to ensure they are female, which is important for those wanting to maximize egg production in their flock
. Once a pullet starts laying eggs, she is then referred to as a hen
. The pullet stage is crucial in a chicken's development as it shapes their future as productive layers
