Araucana: The “Easter Egg” breed of chickens. An Araucana lays either bluish, greenish, or pink-hued eggs.

Bantam: Small-size chicken breeds, 1/4th to 1/3rd the size of a regular chicken.

Capon: a castrated male chicken, used for meat

Chick: A baby chicken

Cockerel: A male chicken less than one year old

Comb: the floppy thing on the head. When the hen is laying, the comb is bright read and healthy looking.

Dual-purpose: A breed that’s developed for both egg production and for meat.

Heavy breeds: larger breeds, often hardier in colder climates. Many are dual-purpose breeds.

Hen: A female chicken more than one year old

Leghorn: Pronounced “leggern”. A breed of chicken that lays white eggs, often used for commercial egg production.

Molt. When feathers get renewed. Old feathers fall out, new feathers grow in. Usually happens in autumn, usually begins at 1.5 years old and then annually thereafter. All the bird’s energy goes into renewing feathers, so egg-laying stops. Can last 2 months.

Nesting box: A cozy private place to lay eggs, approximately one cubic foot in size, and preferably with a cloth flap.

Pullet: A female chicken less than one year old

Roost: (n.) An elevated bar that chickens perch on when they sleep at night. Standard size is 2-inch diameter, and at least 10 inches of space per bird.

Rooster: Male chicken more than one year old

Straight-run: Chicks that are not sexed at the hatchery, so they’re about 50/50 males and females.

Vent: The opening that droppings and eggs come out of.

Wattle: the red thing that hangs at their chin.