chicken is a cock or rooster (known as a cockerel until it is 12 months old).
HOW CAN I TELL A HEN FROM A COCK?
Hen chickens are usually smaller and weigh less than the male counterpart of their breed. In the breeds section of this book (pages 10–27), the weights of both hens and cocks are indicated. Additionally, a cock bird will have more flamboyant tail feathers and a larger and more colourful and distinctive comb on the top of his head. He also tends to strut and dominate the hens. It is the cock bird that makes the well-known ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ noise that many people find disturbing, especially in urban areas.
The decision about whether it is a good idea to have a cock bird in with your hens is discussed on pages 50–51, and this depends on whether you just want to produce eggs or to breed from your chickens – or both. Most chicken enthusiasts, however, just keep hens.
Feather markings
Breeds are initially distinguished by their colours, shapes and sizes. A major part of this is their often spectacularly coloured feathers. Some breeds have just a single colour, while others have complicated patterning.
What is a broiler?
A term that originated in North America and is used to described a young bird, of either sex and under the age of eight weeks, specifically raised for its meat. The meat at that age is tender, with soft and pliable skin.
Psychology of a chicken
Chickens are inquisitive, intelligent and friendly and will continually keep you amused. Invariably they will come over and check what you are doing – so be careful you do not step on them. Bantam breeds are also reputed to be smarter than chickens, and they are certainly faster movers.
TYPES OF COMB
All chickens have a comb on their head. It is a fleshy growth and those on males are usually larger than ones on hens. The shapes and colours of combs vary from one breed to another. Many are red, but some are purple. Combs are not just present to give a chicken status and to make it more attractive to the opposite sex – they have a functional role in helping to cool a chicken during periods of high temperature. Incidentally, because blood is able to flow freely through a comb, it makes them extra sensitive during cold weather, especially if they are large. Coating a comb in petroleum jelly helps to provide cold-weather protection. There are several types of comb, including:
Rose
The comb lies almost flat on top and is broad, solid and very fleshy. The main part has a curved surface, with small, round protuberances. It ends in a single spike at the back of the head, called a leader.
Single
Thin and attached to the beak and along the skull. On the top there are 5–6 deep grooves that create several sharp points along the comb’s top. This is the most common type of comb.
Strawberry
The comb is very low and is known as strawberry because of its shape. It has a rough surface.
Horn
Known also as the ‘V-shaped comb’, it has two pieces that look like horns, joined at their base.
Pea
Low, with three ridges. The middle ridge is slightly higher and larger than the other two.
Buttercup
The comb is cup shaped with regularly spaced points, resembling a crown. It is finely textured.
LEARNING THE PECKING ORDER – AND THIS MEANS YOU!
As you learn to live with chickens you will find that they put you as their leader – top in the pecking order! They will have decided that, as you provide their food, you will be revered. They will approach you in various ways, depending on their gender.
Cocks (also known as roosters): The males will approach you cautiously, with direct eye contact and a slow flap of their wings.
Hens: They might greet you in the same way as a cock bird, especially if they are feeling perky. This might be accompanied by the bird flapping her wings. If particularly friendly, she may also stand on your shoes and peck against your trousers. This is usually an approach that indicates she wants to be picked up. Unfortunately, this extra attention may create jealousy among the other hens.
Squabbling hens
Occasionally, squabbles occur between hens when they are not sure of the pecking order. Do not use your hands to separate them; rather, gently spray them with clean water. If further squabbles occur, it is usually best to rehome one of them.
Introducing new hens to an established group
This can be tricky but folklore suggests there are several ways to prevent trouble arising, including:
Wait until night, when it is pitch dark.
Rub garlic over the hen that is about to be introduced.
Keeping chickens
What is involved?
Before keeping chickens it is essential to understand what is involved in terms of time, initial and long-term cost, and the local and national regulations you will have to comply with. Below is a checklist of chicken-keeping questions to consider, ranging from whether it is worth the trouble and expense to what the ramifications of keeping chickens in close proximity to neighbours might be. Always get the goodwill of neighbours before keeping chickens.
