Every field has its jargon, and backyard chicken keeping is worse than most. This glossary covers the 37 terms that come up again and again in our guides and in the questions readers send us. Definitions are short on purpose: enough to unblock you, with links to deeper guides throughout the site when you want the full story.

Bantam

A small breed of chicken that is about one-third the size of standard chickens. Bantams lay fewer eggs but are popular for backyard flocks because they eat less and take up less space.

Bedding

The material spread on the floor of a chicken coop to absorb moisture and droppings. Common bedding options include wood shavings, straw, and pine needles.

Broody

The natural behavior when a hen wants to sit on and hatch eggs. A broody hen will stop laying eggs and spend most of her time on the nest.

Broiler

A chicken raised specifically for meat production. Broilers grow quickly and are typically processed at 6-8 weeks of age.

Coccidiosis

A common parasitic disease in chickens that causes diarrhea and can be fatal if untreated. It spreads through contaminated droppings and is more common in young birds.

Cockerel

A young male chicken that is less than one year old. Cockerels can become aggressive and loud as they mature.

Combs

The fleshy, usually red crest on top of a chicken’s head. The size and color of combs can indicate health and maturity.

Crop

A pouch in a chicken’s throat where food is stored before digestion. You can often feel a chicken’s crop by gently touching its chest area.

Dust Bath

When chickens roll around in dry dirt or sand to clean their feathers and control parasites. Providing a dust bath area keeps chickens healthy and happy.

Feathering

The growth and coverage of feathers on a chicken’s body. Poor feathering can indicate stress, parasites, or aggression from other flock members.

Flock

A group of chickens kept together. Most backyard flocks contain between 3 and 12 birds.

Fowl Pox

A viral disease that causes scabs and bumps on a chicken’s skin and can affect the mouth and throat. It spreads slowly through a flock and has no cure, though vaccination is available.

Free Range

Allowing chickens to roam and forage in an outdoor area rather than keeping them confined to a coop. Free range birds have access to grass, insects, and plants.

Grit

Small stones that chickens swallow to help grind food in their gizzard. Chickens need both insoluble grit for digestion and soluble grit for calcium.

Hen

A female chicken that is at least one year old and usually laying eggs. Hens are the primary birds kept in backyard flocks.

Hybrid

A chicken breed created by crossing two or more pure breeds to combine desirable traits. Many hybrid breeds are excellent layers but cannot reliably produce offspring like pure breeds.

Integrating

The process of introducing new chickens to an existing flock. This requires gradual introduction and supervision to prevent fighting and establish a new pecking order.

Litter

The accumulated bedding material and droppings on the coop floor. Regular litter management prevents disease and ammonia buildup.

Molt

When chickens shed and regrow their feathers, usually once per year. Molting hens stop laying eggs and require extra nutrition during this time.

Nesting Box

A designated space where hens lay their eggs. Most backyard coops have one nesting box for every 3-4 hens.

Outdoor Run

An enclosed outdoor area attached to the coop where chickens can safely move around and get sunlight. A run protects chickens from predators while allowing them to forage.

Pecking Order

The social hierarchy that develops in a flock, with dominant birds getting first access to food and roosting spots. Understanding pecking order helps you manage flock dynamics.

Perch

A roost where chickens rest and sleep at night. Chickens naturally prefer to perch off the ground for safety.

Predator

Any animal that hunts and kills chickens, including hawks, foxes, raccoons, and snakes. Protecting your flock from predators requires secure coops and runs.

Pullet

A young female chicken less than one year old that is approaching or just starting egg production. Pullets cost more than chicks but start laying sooner.

Rooster

A mature male chicken, typically one year or older. Roosters are not necessary for egg production but will fertilize eggs if you want chicks.

Run

An enclosed outdoor area where chickens can safely roam and forage. A run has wire fencing on top and sides to keep predators out.

Roosting Bar

A wooden pole or bar where chickens sit and sleep at night inside the coop. Most chickens prefer roosting bars slightly higher than their nesting boxes.

Sanitize

Cleaning and disinfecting the coop and equipment to prevent disease. Regular sanitizing helps keep your flock healthy and productive.

Scales

Small plates covering a chicken’s legs and feet. Scaly leg mite infestations cause crusting and swelling on the scales.

Shavings

Wood bedding made from wood chips or shredded wood, commonly used on coop floors. Pine shavings are popular because they absorb moisture well and smell fresh.

Sitter

A broody hen used to incubate and hatch eggs naturally without an incubator. Not all hens become good sitters.

Vent

The opening at the base of a chicken’s tail where eggs and droppings exit. Checking the vent helps identify health problems and determine if a hen is laying.

Ventilation

Air flow through the coop that removes moisture and ammonia from droppings. Proper ventilation is critical for preventing respiratory disease.

Waterer

A container that holds and dispenses fresh water to chickens. Automatic waterers reduce the need for daily refilling.

Wattle

The fleshy, usually red flap of skin hanging below a chicken’s chin. Wattles help chickens regulate body temperature.

Worming

Treating chickens with medication to eliminate internal parasitic worms. Most backyard flocks benefit from worming once or twice per year.