Terms - Jul 30, 2019 - 2021
BANTAM: A small domestic chicken that is often a miniature version of a larger breed.
BIDDY: Another term for chicks or baby chickens.
BROILER: A meat chicken processed at the age of 7-12 weeks when it reaches 2½ to 3½ pounds live weight. Historically Broilers were marketed as birds ranging 1 to 2½ lbs.
BROODER BOX: A temperature-controlled, heated box used for raising newly hatched poultry.
BROODY HEN: A hen that is intent on sitting on and hatching a clutch of eggs on a nest. Broody hens are often used to hatch eggs of other fowl.
BROODING PERIOD: The period in a young fowl's life between hatching until they become fully feathered.
CANDLING: Procedure of shining light through an egg to determine if it is fertilized or not.
CAPON: Are male chickens that have been castrated at 4-8 months old, weighing 5-9 pounds that produce more white meat and have higher fat content than other chickens.
CHICK: A newly hatched or very young chicken.
CHICK TOOTH: A hard tooth-like structure at the end of a chick's beak. Also known as an egg tooth, it is used to assist hatching chicks in breaking through the eggshell.
CLUTCH: A group of eggs that are laid together in one nest.
COCCIDIOSIS: An animal disease caused by infestation of the parasite Coccidia within the intestinal tract. Coccidiosis spreads from one chicken to another by contact with feces or ingestion of infected tissue.
COCK: A male chicken over one year of age.
COCKEREL: A male chicken less than 1 year old.
COMB: The fleshy growth or crest on the top of a chicken's head. Combs are usually larger on males than on females and are typically red.
COOP: An enclosure or housing structure built for chickens.
CRD: Chronic Respiratory Disease, a common disease of chickens that is characterized by sneezing and difficulty breathing. Commonly controlled with antibiotics usually administered in feed or drinking water.
CROP: Part of a chicken's digestive located at the base of the neck that serves to store ingested food.
DOWN: Soft, fine and fluffy feathers on fowl.
FLEDGE: To care for young birds while still in the nest.
GALLUS DOMESTICUS: The scientific name for a domestic chicken.
GIZZARD: Internal chicken organ that crushes food with the help of pebbles or grit.
GRIT: Bits of rock, oyster shell or sand used by fowl to aid in breaking down ingested food.
GROWER FEED: Commercially available feed formulated for adolescent, growing chickens. Usually used from nine to 20 weeks.
HACKLES: The long feathers on a chicken's neck
HEN: A mature female chicken that is at least one year of age.
INCUBATION: The process used to hatch eggs. Incubation can be accomplished naturally under female fowl or artificially with an mechanical incubator.
LAYERS: Mature female chickens kept for egg production. Also known as laying hens.
LAYING FEED: Commercially available feed formulated with extra calcium for laying hens.
MOLT: Time when the shedding and growth of new feathers takes place.
NEST BOX: A box designed for hens to lay their eggs within.
ORNAMENTAL BREED: A breed of chicken used for ornamental purposes and are primarily appreciated for their stunning appearance as opposed to egg or meat production.
PIPPING: The process by which baby chicks break open a hole in the eggshell and hatch.
PRODUCTION BREED: Are commercial strains of fowl that are used for high production of eggs or meat.
PULLET: A chicken less than 1 year old.
ROOSTER: A male chicken that is at least 1 year old.
RUN: An enclosed area outdoors that is connected to a coop and allows chickens to roam freely.
SCRATCH: A type of feed that can consist of cracked corn and different types of whole grains. It is often fed as a treat for backyard chickens and not used as a main food source.
SEXING: When baby chicks are separated by gender.
SHANKS: Part of the chicken's legs just above the foot.
SPUR: The horny projection located on toward the rear of a chicken's shank and is prominent in males. Spurs are used for defense and will grow throughout the birds' life.
STARTER FEED: Pre-mixed commercial food for chicks, commonly available at feed or farm stores. These feeds should be fed to chicks for the first six to eight weeks of life. Typically available in medicated and non-medicated formulas.
TURN: The act of turning incubated eggs to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell membranes.