In poultry terminology, what is the term for an adult female chicken?

• A. Hen
• B. Gilt
• C. Ewe
• D. Sow

Answer: (A)

In poultry terminology, an adult female chicken is called a hen. This term is used once the bird reaches maturity and is typically involved in egg production. A pullet refers to a young female chicken that hasn’t started laying yet, while a rooster is an adult male. The other terms come from different species: gilt and sow are female pigs, and ewe is a female sheep. Using the correct species-specific term helps in clear communication about care, breeding, and management.