Yolk Sac
Unused yolk that is drawn into the chick via the navel just before hatching.
Wattles
Soft flesh hanging from the throat of many fowls.
Vent
The rear orifice of a hen.
Thermostat
A Mechanical or Electronic unit used to control temperature in an incubator.
Silkie
Breed of chicken originally from China.
Setting
Preparing and placing eggs in an incubator or under a hen.
Scaly Leg
Condition caused by a small parasitic mite burrowing under the scales on the leg.
Rooster
A mature male fowl.
Relative Humidity
The measurement of moisture in the air.
Pullet
A young female less than 12 months old.
Poultry
A general name to describe all domestic birds, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys etc.
Point of Lay
A term used to describe hens sold just prior to commencing laying (approx 20 weeks old).
Parsons Nose (Popes Nose)
A fleshy protrusion at the back of the fowl where the tail feathers grow from. It houses an oil gland which keeps the feathers in good condition. Pipping The act of breaking out of the shell at hatching. The chick breaks the shell by pushing it out with its ‘egg tooth.’ This may take from…
Parasites
Parasites are easily picked up in flocks. The most common are red mites, lice and in some areas fleas. Proprietary sprays or natural products eg. Derris Dust can be purchased to treat them.
Moult
The annual loss and regrowth of a chicken’s feathers. During the moult which can last up to 3 months, the hens will stop laying.
Mareks Disease
A virus mainly affecting young chicks/birds. Once contracted it is fatal. In large flocks chicks are vaccinated as day olds. In small flocks it is not practical.
Incubator
Equipment used to maintain suitable conditions for hatching eggs. Basically an insulated box with controls for Temperature, Ventilation and Humidity.
Incubation
The process of hatching eggs.
Humidity
The moisture in the air.
Hen
A mature female hen.
Hackle
Feathers surrounding the neck.
Hygrometer
Instrument used to measure Relative Humidity. Usually Wet & Dry Bulb thermometers although sometimes electronic
Free Range Farming
Farming eggs by allowing the hens to range freely in paddocks.
Embryo
The formation of the chicken in the egg up to hatching time.
Egg Tooth
Small bump on the top tip of the chicken’s beak used to break away the shell at hatching time.
Dust Bath
Chickens are often seen fluffing dry dirt onto their feathers as a means of mite and lice control.
Down
Soft hair-like covering on young chicks before the feathers develop.
Deep Litter Farming
A method of housing hens in large sheds. The hens are on beds of dry litter eg. sawdust or rice hulls.
Crumble
Common name for chick feed (finely crumbled).
Crop
An enlargement of the gullet used to hold food until it is passed for digestion. The crop is noticeable in the front of the chest after the fowl has eaten.