What is a hen?

Hens are female chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). Here's some information about them:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size and Appearance: Hens vary greatly in size and appearance depending on the breed. Some are small and delicate, while others are large and robust. They come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and feather types.
• Comb and Wattles: These fleshy red appendages on their heads are indicators of health and sexual maturity. Their size and shape also vary by breed.
• Claws: Strong claws used for scratching the ground in search of food.
• Wings: Although not capable of sustained flight, hens can fly short distances and use their wings for balance and escaping predators.

Behavior and Life Cycle:

• Egg-laying: This is their primary function. The frequency of egg-laying depends on breed, age, and diet, but most hens lay an egg about every 25 hours.
• Broodiness: Some hens exhibit broodiness, a strong instinct to sit on eggs to incubate them.
• Social Hierarchy: Hens live in flocks and establish a social hierarchy, with a dominant hen at the top.
• Pecking Order: This pecking order dictates access to food, water, and nesting sites. Aggressive behavior is common, but typically isn't fatal.
• Lifespan: Hens typically live for 5-10 years, though some breeds may live longer.

Care and Diet:

• Diet: Hens require a balanced diet consisting of commercial feed, supplemented with occasional treats like insects, vegetables, and fruits.
• Housing: They need a safe and secure coop to protect them from predators, as well as a run for exercise and foraging.
• Water: Access to fresh, clean water is crucial.

Economic Importance:

• Eggs: Hens are a primary source of eggs for human consumption worldwide.
• Meat: While often associated with egg production, certain breeds are also raised for their meat.

This is just a brief overview. There's a vast amount of information available on different hen breeds, their specific needs, and their role in agriculture and society.