What are Pullet Eggs?

It’s always an exciting moment when your chicken lays her first egg.  Unless you are warned beforehand, you probably had no idea that they would lay such a small egg.  These first eggs that your hens are laying are called pullet eggs. A pullet is a female chicken who is under one year of age.  Generally, pullets will lay their first egg between week 18 and 24, however, depending on the time of year you receive your chicks, this may take a little bit longer.  A pullet will lay this smaller sized egg for about 4 weeks before they start to get bigger.

Fun Fact: Did you know that smaller eggs are generally shipped out to egg factories that make pasteurized liquid eggs or dried powdered ones? We generally only see jumbo, extra large, large and at times medium eggs in the store.

Have you noticed that the yolks are bigger in your pullet eggs or that they are almost all yolk? Since pullet eggs have a higher yolk to egg white ratio they are valued for their bold flavor and velvety texture.  Which also makes them an excellent choice for baking. I have personally had a few pullet eggs that were double yolkers! Double yolkers are generally found in laying pullets that are between 20-28 weeks old.  The probability of getting a double yolker in a pullet egg is 1 in a 100! As the pullet matures into a hen you will generally only get one yolk per egg, since poultry genetics says there should only be one yolk per egg.
Egg Chart Comparison: Standard Egg Sizes (Weight Per Dozen)

  • Jumbo: 30 ounces
  • Extra Large: 27 ounces
  • Large: 24 ounces
  • Medium: 21 ounces
  • Small: 18 ounces
  • Peewee: 15 ounces

My favorite thing to make with my pullet eggs are hard-boiled eggs. Like bantam eggs, they make a perfect one bite snack. We would love to hear below in our comments your favorite way to use your pullet eggs!

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