Great question—people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

• Chicken: The species as a whole (any age or sex).
• Hen: An adult female chicken, typically laying or capable of laying eggs.
• Rooster: An adult male chicken.
• Pullet/Cockerel: Teen/young female or male chickens, not yet fully mature.
• Cornish hen: In grocery aisles, this usually means a small, whole young chicken sold for roasting.

On our site, you’ll see both poultry supplies and frozen poultry options. If you’re shopping food, look for whole birds labeled as Cornish hens. If you’re outfitting a coop, browse chicken care supplies. You can shop in store or choose pickup or delivery for convenience.

Use “hen” for one adult female chicken and “hens” for more than one. Here’s a quick guide:

• Singular: “I have one hen.”
• Plural: “We keep six hens.”
• Shopping food: A listing for one bird may say “Cornish hen”; packs with multiple birds often say “Cornish hens.”
• Talking broadly: Use “chicken/chickens” when you mean the species, or mixed groups with roosters.

Product pages usually clarify quantity in the title or description. When in doubt, check the package size and count. This approach can help you order the right amount, whether you’re stocking the freezer or buying supplies for your flock.

Calming spaces tend to be low-glare and consistent. While every flock is different, many keepers find the following can help create a quieter vibe:

• Soft, muted tones: Blues, greens, and natural wood shades can feel less stimulating.
• Fewer high-contrast patterns: Avoid bold, busy visuals near feeders and perches.
• Stable lighting: Gentle, consistent light during the day and darkness at night supports rest.
• Non-reflective finishes: Minimize shiny metal that can reflect and distract.

Color is just one piece of the puzzle. Adequate space, ventilation, enrichment, and a predictable routine often matter more for calm behavior. You can adjust one element at a time and see what your birds respond to best.

It’s smart to be cautious with treats. Many keepers avoid the items below because they can be harmful or hard to digest:

• Chocolate, coffee, or energy drinks (caffeine/theobromine)
• Alcohol of any kind
• Raw or undercooked beans (especially kidney beans)
• Green potato peels and sprouts (solanine), and moldy or spoiled foods
• Very salty, greasy, or heavily seasoned foods
• Products containing xylitol (a sweetener)
• Avocado pits and skins

As a general approach, a complete poultry feed can serve as the main diet, with treats offered in moderation. If you’re unsure about a specific food, it’s advisable to check reputable poultry resources or consult a poultry professional for tailored guidance.

Chickens don’t have teeth. Insoluble grit (small stones) sits in the gizzard and helps grind food. This can be especially useful when birds eat whole grains, scratch, or foraged foods.

• When it’s needed: Birds on mash or crumble may need less grit; foragers and scratch-fed flocks typically benefit.
• How to offer: Provide free-choice in a separate, dry dish so birds can take what they need.
• Size matters: Use chick-sized grit for young birds and larger grit for adults.
• Don’t confuse with oyster shell: That’s for calcium, offered separately to laying hens.

You can find grit and other supplies online with pickup or delivery for convenience.