What is the Difference Between Hens and Roosters?

The main differences between hens and roosters include physical characteristics, behavior, and reproductive roles. Here are some key distinctions:

1. Physical Characteristics:

• Roosters tend to be larger and more robust than hens, with a more upright stance.
• Roosters have thicker legs than hens.
• Roosters have pointier, longer, and showier tail feathers, while hens have shorter and rounded tail feathers.
• Hackle feathers (neck feathers) are longer and pointier on roosters, while they are rounder and shorter on hens.
• Roosters have larger, more vibrant combs and wattles than hens.

1. Behavior:

• Roosters are generally more assertive and bold than hens.
• Roosters often exhibit courtship, crowing, mounting, and sparring behaviors, while hens do not.
• Hens are more timid and exhibit behaviors such as egg-laying, egg song, broodiness, and squatting for mating.

1. Reproductive Roles:

• Roosters are responsible for fertilizing the eggs, while hens lay the eggs and incubate them.

It is essential to note that these differences may vary depending on the breed of the chicken, and there can be exceptions to these general characteristics.

Comparative Table: Hens vs Roosters

Here is a table highlighting the differences between hens and roosters:

Hens are typically calmer and have thinner legs, while roosters are more aggressive and have thicker legs. Roosters also have larger combs, wattles, and more colorful plumage than hens. Additionally, roosters are known for their loud crowing, while hens produce quiet clucks.