General term for a bird that is no longer a hatchling but not yet fully mature. Used for wild birds as well as poultry.
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.
We rescued a young bird that had fallen from its nest.
In spring, you often see young birds in the park.
This dish uses tender young chicken meat.
They raise young chickens at the poultry farm.
Standard kanji spelling. 鶏 specifically means chicken, so this form is especially natural for sense 2.
Alternative kanji spelling using the more general 鳥 (bird).
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, common in everyday writing.
Compound of 若 (young) and 鶏/鳥 (bird/chicken). The reading わかどり is a straightforward kun'yomi combination.