What Are the Differences Between a Chicken, a Hen, and a Rooster?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

While “chicken” is a broad term for the species, “hen” and “rooster” refer specifically to adult females and males, respectively. Hens and roosters exhibit distinct physical and behavioral differences, such as feather morphology and vocalization mechanisms. Additionally, roosters of different breeds can vary significantly in growth and meat quality attributes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for various applications in poultry farming and research.

The terms “chicken,” “hen,” and “rooster” refer to different aspects of the same species, Gallus gallus domesticus. Understanding the distinctions between these terms is essential for comprehending their roles, physical characteristics, and behaviors.

Key Insights

• General Definitions:
  • Chicken: A general term for the species Gallus gallus domesticus, encompassing both males and females of all ages1 2 3.
  • Hen: An adult female chicken, typically characterized by shorter, straighter feathers and a solid vane with many barbules1.
  • Rooster: An adult male chicken, known for its longer, more deeply fringed feathers, particularly in the neck hackle, saddle, and tail regions1.
• Vocalization and Auditory Differences:
  • Roosters produce high sound pressure levels when crowing, necessitating a passive protective mechanism in their auditory canal to prevent hearing damage. This mechanism is not required in hens, whose vocalizations are less intense2.
• Physical and Morphological Differences:
  • Roosters have a unique morphological feature in their outer ear canal that allows it to close completely when they crow, protecting their hearing. In contrast, hens’ ear canals only narrow but do not close completely2.
• Growth and Meat Quality:
  • Roosters, particularly those of different breeds, show significant differences in growth performance, carcass components, and meat quality. For example, the Mos breed roosters have a lower growth rate and different carcass characteristics compared to hybrid lines like Sasso T-443.