No creature has captured the epitome of maternal aura in the same way as the hen. She is Mother, incarnate; her eggs have represented fertility and plenty. Hens will most likely compromise the bulk of your flock. Hens are ideal for the home as their lively yet relatively quiet nature will win the hearts of all they meet. Hens do have some special considerations that should be addressed.

• Terms: Pullet is a hen under 1 year of age, after 1 year, she is a hen from then on.
• Most hens lay eggs every 25-26 hours during the laying season. Sometimes they may lay 2 eggs a day, sometimes none; most often expect a daily egg from each mature (not elderly) hen.
• Hens lay eggs from their vent, which will be relatively dilated and moist if a hen is actively laying.
• Hens can and will lay eggs for their entire lives, laying larger and larger eggs, although the frequency becomes less as time passes.