Day 1–6: Brooder phase. You’re a helicopter parent. Week 6–16: Coop life. No eggs yet. Week 18–24: First egg! Cue confetti. Year 1–3: Peak production. Year 4+: Senior hens, fewer eggs, maximum personality.
If you buy adult hens, the timeline shrinks dramatically. But you miss the joy of watching a chick discover a worm for the first time—a true cinematic moment.
