Pullet

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A pullet is a young chicken, more specifically a hen at least 20-weeks-old which has begun to lay eggs but has not yet moulted. Pullets are more productive than the older laying hens; they often produce eggs for an entire year, while hens will lay for six-to-seven months.

Commercial pullets are typically Leghorns; small "home flocks" are commonly based on dual-purpose breeds such as Rhode Island Reds.

Commercial production of pullets involves several different types of feed at various stages of a pullet's life:

• During the first six-to-eight weeks of life their feed is high in protein (20%);
• The protein content is lowered and calcium is slightly raised during the next eight weeks;
• The protein level is then slightly raised and the calcium level is dramatically raised (often tripled) once the pullet begins laying eggs.

If not vaccinated or otherwise treated, pullets are susceptible to diseases such as bronchitis, coccidiosis, fowl pox, Marek's disease, and Newcastle disease.