hen

A hen is a female chicken, typically an adult capable of laying eggs. In poultry terminology, hen and rooster distinguish the sexes, while chick denotes a young bird. Domestic chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, derive from the red junglefowl of Southeast Asia and have been kept by humans for thousands of years. They are raised worldwide for eggs, meat, and other farm purposes.

Hens vary in plumage and size by breed. They have a comb and wattles and exhibit sexual dimorphism, with roosters usually larger and more colorful. Laying hens begin production at about 5 to 6 months, with peak output in the first year. A typical laying cycle averages one egg per day, influenced by breed, daylight, and health. Their diet should include calcium-rich layer feed, water, and occasional greens.

Hens live in social flocks with a hierarchical order and engage in foraging, dust-bathing, and perching. Broodiness can cause a hen to sit on nests to hatch eggs; in many operations, broodiness is managed by removing nesting materials or isolating the hen. Incubation of fertilized eggs takes about 21 days.

Uses and welfare: Eggs are the primary product; meat from hens is also consumed, though male chicks and spent hens are often culled. Welfare considerations include housing, lighting, ventilation, litter, perches, and nesting boxes, along with predator protection. Management systems range from conventional housing to cage-free and free-range operations.

Varieties: There are hundreds of breeds. Egg color ranges from white to brown and may include blue or green in some breeds. Temperament varies by breed, with some individuals calm and others more assertive. The term hen also applies to adult females of other fowl in broader usage.