How to Tell How Old a Chicken is? (Expert Tips and Tricks)

Determining the age of a chicken is a common question that arises among backyard chicken farmers.

It is important to know the age of your chickens for a variety of reasons, such as determining when they will start laying eggs or when they may need to be culled. So,

How to Tell How Old a Chicken is?

One of the most reliable ways to determine the age of a chicken is by looking at its comb and wattles. As chickens age, their comb and wattles will grow larger and become more pronounced. For example, a young chicken may have a small, pale comb and wattles, while an older chicken will have larger, brighter red comb and wattles.

Additionally, the legs and feet of a chicken can also provide clues about its age. Younger chickens will have smooth, pliable legs and feet, while older chickens may have rougher, scaly legs and feet.

Chicken Age Overview:

An overview of everything you need to know about a chicken’s age:

Chick: A newly hatched chicken is called a chick. At this stage, they are covered in fluffy down feathers and are very small and fragile. They need to be kept warm and dry to survive.
Brooder: A chick that is kept in a brooder until they are fully feathered is usually around 6 to 8 weeks old. At this stage, they have grown their wing and tail feathers and are more active and curious.
Pullet: A young female chicken that has just started to lay eggs is called a pullet. They are typically between 16 and 20 weeks old. At this stage, they are fully feathered and their comb and wattle start to develop. They start laying eggs and their eggs are smaller in size.
Hen: A mature female chicken is called a hen. They can start laying eggs at around 5 months old and can continue to lay for several years. At this stage, their comb and wattle are fully developed, and their eggs are larger and more frequent. Hens can lay up to 300 eggs per year.
Rooster: A mature male chicken is called a rooster. They can start crowing and developing their distinctive comb and wattle at around 4 to 5 months old. Roosters can be aggressive and territorial, and they are responsible for fertilizing the eggs.
Stewing hen: A hen that is no longer laying eggs and is used for meat is called a stewing hen. They are typically around 2 to 3 years old. At this stage, their meat is tougher and less tender, making them suitable for stews and soups.

It’s important to note that the age of a chicken can vary depending on the breed and individual chicken.

Additionally, factors such as diet, living conditions, and health can also affect a chicken’s lifespan and productivity.

Physical Characteristics:

Feathers:

A chicken’s feathers can provide some clues about its age.

Younger chickens have soft, fluffy feathers, while older chickens have more mature, stiff feathers.

Additionally, the colour of the feathers can change as the chicken ages.

For example, a young chicken may have bright, vibrant feathers, while an older chicken’s feathers may be more muted in colour.

Beak:

Another physical characteristic that can give a hint about a chicken’s age is its beak.

Younger chickens have shorter, softer beaks, while older chickens have longer, harder beaks.

Over time, a chicken’s beak will become more curved and pointed.

It’s important to note that these physical characteristics can vary depending on the breed of chicken.

Some breeds may mature faster or slower than others, which can affect their physical appearance.

Overall, while physical characteristics can provide some clues about a chicken’s age, they are not always reliable indicators.

It’s best to also consider other factors, such as the chicken’s behaviour and egg-laying patterns, when trying to determine its age.

Behavioural Characteristics:

Egg Laying Frequency:

One of the best ways to determine the age of a chicken is to observe its egg-laying frequency.

Younger chickens tend to lay smaller eggs less frequently, while older chickens lay larger eggs more often. A healthy chicken in its prime laying years will lay an egg almost every day.

However, it’s important to note that factors such as breed, environment, and diet can also affect egg-laying frequency.

For example, some breeds are known for their high egg production, while others may lay fewer eggs even at their peak laying age. Additionally, stress, illness, and changes in diet or environment can all impact a chicken’s egg-laying habits.

Roosting Habits:

Another behavioural characteristic that can provide clues to a chicken’s age is its roosting habits.

Older chickens tend to be more settled and confident in their environment, and will often roost higher up in the coop or on a perch. Younger chickens, on the other hand, may be more skittish and prefer to roost lower to the ground.

It’s also worth noting that some breeds have different roosting habits than others.

For example, some chickens prefer to roost in groups, while others may prefer to roost alone.

Paying attention to your chicken’s roosting habits can help you better understand its age and behavior.

How many years old is a chicken?

A chicken’s age can be determined by looking at their physical characteristics at different stages of their life.

Here is a list of the different stages and their corresponding ages:

Chick: A newly hatched chicken is called a chick. At this stage, they are less than a day old.
Brooder: A chick that is kept in a brooder until they are fully feathered is usually around 6 to 8 weeks old.
Pullet: A young female chicken that has just started to lay eggs is called a pullet. They are typically between 16 and 20 weeks old.
Hen: A mature female chicken is called a hen. They can start laying eggs at around 5 months old and can continue to lay for several years.
Rooster: A mature male chicken is called a rooster. They can start crowing and developing their distinctive comb and wattle at around 4 to 5 months old.
Stewing hen: A hen that is no longer laying eggs and is used for meat is called a stewing hen. They are typically around 2 to 3 years old.

So, the age of a chicken can vary depending on the stage of their life.

More Indicators Of A Chickens Age:

Some more indicators of a chicken’s age:

Age (in weeks)	Physical Characteristics
0-2	Fluffy down feathers, small and fragile
2-6	Wing feathers start to grow, tail feathers start to emerge
6-8	Fully feathered, wings and tail feathers are longer
16-20	Pullet starts to lay eggs, comb and wattle start to develop
24-32	Hen’s comb and wattle are fully developed, eggs are larger and more frequent
4-5 months	Rooster starts to crow, comb and wattle are more prominent
2-3 years	Stewing hen’s meat is tougher and less tender

More Indicators Of A Chickens Age:

These are general indicators and can vary depending on the breed and individual chicken.

Older Chickens VS Young Chickens:

Comparing older chickens and young chickens:

	Older Chickens	Young Chickens
Age	Typically over 1 year old	Typically under 1 year old
Egg Production	Decreases over time	Increases over time
Size	Larger and heavier	Smaller and lighter
Meat Quality	Tougher meat, better for stews and soups	Tender meat, better for grilling and frying
Health	More susceptible to diseases and health issues	Generally healthier and more active
Cost	Cheaper to purchase	More expensive to purchase
Lifespan	Generally shorter	Generally longer
Behavior	More calm and docile	More active and curious