Poules

Poules is the French plural of poule, meaning a hen. In English, poules appears mainly in bilingual or culinary contexts to refer to female chickens; everyday English uses hens for adult female chickens. The term is common in discussions of French farming, gastronomy, or poultry breeding.

Hens are adult female chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus. They reach sexual maturity around five to six months and begin laying eggs when conditions such as light and nutrition are favorable. Under good conditions a layer hen may lay roughly one egg daily at peak, with production typically higher in the early life of the bird and often decreasing after the first couple of years. Egg color and shell quality vary by breed and diet.

Behavior and housing: Hens are social birds that form a pecking order. They require secure housing with ventilation, perches, nest boxes, and reliable access to water and a balanced diet. Many systems include outdoor space or free-range access for foraging.

Uses and terminology: Poule refers to a live female chicken; poulet denotes chicken meat in French. In English, hens or egg-layers are used when referring to egg production, while meat is called chicken or broiler. Breeds vary; dual-purpose breeds are kept for both eggs and meat, while specialized breeds focus on either.

Welfare and industry: Commercial egg production ranges from cage to enriched or free-range systems, with welfare standards differing by region. Common management topics include space, lighting, health, and beak trimming. Chickens are omnivorous; diets include grain-based feeds, protein supplements, calcium for shells, and clean water.