Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which term refers to a young chicken of either sex, usually 3–5 months of age?

1. Capon

2. Pullet

3. Roaster

4. Cockerel

The correct answer is: Roaster

The term that typically refers to a young chicken of either sex, usually aged around 3 to 5 months, is a "Roaster." This term is commonly used in the poultry industry to classify chickens that are raised specifically for meat production and typically weights around 3 to 5 pounds. Roasters are larger chickens that are generally older than pullets or cockerels but not yet fully mature. In contrast, a capon refers to a castrated male chicken, usually raised for meat and known for its tenderness. A pullet is specifically a young female chicken, usually less than one year old, and is often kept for egg production. A cockerel refers specifically to a young male chicken, typically under one year of age. Therefore, while pullet and cockerel are age-specific designations based on sex, "roaster" encompasses both sexes and implies a stage of growth particularly suited for meat production.