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Glossary of Terms:
Air Cell -The empty space between the white and shell at the large end of the egg.
Albumen – Also known as egg white. Albumen accounts for most of an egg’s liquid weight, about 67%. It contains more than half the egg’s total protein, niacin, riboflavin, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur.
Alektorophobia- fear of chickens (which you will no longer have after reading this)
Bantam (banty)- small chickens: not a breed
Biddy . Referring to a hen
Blood spots- Also called meat spots. Occasionally found on an egg yolk. Contrary to popular opinion, these tiny spots do not indicate a fertilized egg. Rather, they are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Less than 1% of all eggs produced have blood spots.
Bloom – The moist coating that protects the freshly laid egg, it dries so quickly it is hard to see.
Brooding - when a hen wants to sit on the eggs she is broody
Chalazae. Two white cords on each side of a yolk that keep the yolk properly positioned within the egg white; singular: chalaza.
Cloaca- The chamber just inside the vent where the digestive, reproductive, and excretory tracts come together.
Clutch – a batch of eggs in a nest
Cockerel – male chicken less than 1 year old
Comb -part of the chicken: the fleshy material on the top of their head
Crop- 1. A pouch at the base of a chicken’s neck that bulges after the bird has eaten. 2. To trim a bird’s wattles
Double Yoked Egg -is created when two ova are released from the ovary at the same time. Seem to be most common in earlier ages and in specific breeds (Rhode Island Reds)
Droppings – chicken manure
Flock- bunch of chickens
Freshness- Freshness of an egg depends on temperature and humidity factors. The ideal conditions are temperatures that don’t go above 40°F. (4°C.) and a relative humidity of 70 to 80%.
Gizzard- An organ that contains grit for grinding up the grain and plant fiber a chicken eats.
Grit- grinding agent used in digestion: sometimes needs to be added to their diet if not free range
Hens – adult female chicken
Perch- chickens wrapping their toes around a branch or stick are said to be on perch
Pecking order - social ranking of a flock: they figure it out by size and
temperament. There really is a pecking order! You will be able to tell by watching their actions!
Pullet -female chicken less than 1 year old
Molt (moult) – annual process of feather loss and re-growth
Roost- where chickens return to each night: their home
Spurs- horny protrusions on legs of rooster
Vent- Where the egg comes out of the chicken
Wattles- dangly thing under the chickens chin
