A young female chicken is called a ______.

A young female chicken is referred to as a pullet. This term specifically describes a female chicken that is typically less than 1 year old, distinguishing it from older hens that have begun laying eggs.

A cockerel is the term for a young male chicken, while a hen designates an older female chicken that is already laying eggs. The term chick is a more general term that applies to young chickens of both sexes. Each of these terms serves a different function in poultry terminology; therefore, recognizing the specific role of each term is crucial for understanding chicken classifications. By using "pullet," one accurately identifies the age and sex of the chicken in question.