HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CHICKENS TO MATURE?
In general, chickens are considered to be adults after they attain sexual maturity and start laying eggs. Depending on the breed, this happens when the hens are between 16 and 24 weeks old. However, even within a breed, certain individuals will develop more swiftly or slower than others. A baby chicken is roughly considered mature when it is 18 weeks old.
The Laying of Eggs
When a chicken's body produces an egg, the beginning of its life cycle has begun. The yolk develops inside the ovary and exits the body of the hen through the vagina. Each egg needs between 25 and 26 hours to complete the development and laying process. After an egg is placed, it will begin to develop into a fully grown chick after around 21 days of incubation. Healthy chicks hatch with their eyes open and are coated in soft, downy feathers.
Chick Development and Growth
When a chick reaches the age of 3 to 6 weeks, it starts to shed its down and begin to grow true feathers. They'll also start to grow combs and wattles that are a rich crimson color. If you are worried about how your birds are growing, talk to your veterinarian because growth can vary based on breed, genetics, and general health. The lifespan of a chicken is typically 8 to 10 years.
