noun
General term for a bird that is no longer a hatchling but not yet fully mature. Used for wild birds as well as poultry.
巣から落ちた若鶏を保護した。
We rescued a young bird that had fallen from its nest.
春になると、公園で若鶏の姿をよく見かける。
In spring, you often see young birds in the park.
noun
young chicken; pullet
Specifically refers to a young chicken, often in the context of poultry farming or cooking. The kanji 若鶏 is particularly appropriate here.
この料理には柔らかい若鶏の肉を使っています。
This dish uses tender young chicken meat.
養鶏場で若鶏を育てている。
They raise young chickens at the poultry farm.
Compound of 若 (young) and 鶏/鳥 (bird/chicken). The reading わかどり is a straightforward kun'yomi combination.