Air Cell -The empty space between the white and shell at the large end of the egg.

Albumen - Also known as egg white. Albumen accounts for most of an egg's liquid weight, about 67%. It contains more than half the egg's total protein, niacin, riboflavin, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur.

Alektorophobia- fear of chickens (which you will no longer have after reading this)

Bantam (banty)- small chickens: not a breed

Biddy . Referring to a hen

Blood spots- Also called meat spots. Occasionally found on an egg yolk. Contrary to popular opinion, these tiny spots do not indicate a fertilized egg. Rather, they are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk surface during formation of the egg or by a similar accident in the wall of the oviduct. Less than 1% of all eggs produced have blood spots.

Bloom - The moist coating that protects the freshly laid egg, it dries so quickly it is hard to see.

Brooding - when a hen wants to sit on the eggs she is broody

Chalazae. Two white cords on each side of a yolk that keep the yolk properly positioned within the egg white; singular: chalaza.

Cloaca- The chamber just inside the vent where the digestive, reproductive, and excretory tracts come together.

Clutch - a batch of eggs in a nest

Cockerel - male chicken less than 1 year old

Comb -part of the chicken: the fleshy material on the top of their head

Crop- 1. A pouch at the base of a chicken's neck that bulges after the bird has eaten. 2. To trim a bird's wattles

Double Yoked Egg -is created when two ova are released from the ovary at the same time. Seem to be most common in earlier ages and in specific breeds (Rhode Island Reds)

Droppings - chicken manure

Flock- bunch of chickens

Freshness- Freshness of an egg depends on temperature and humidity factors. The ideal conditions are temperatures that don't go above 40°F. (4°C.) and a relative humidity of 70 to 80%.

Gizzard- An organ that contains grit for grinding up the grain and plant fiber a chicken eats.

Grit- grinding agent used in digestion: sometimes needs to be added to their diet if not free range

Hens - adult female chicken

Perch- chickens wrapping their toes around a branch or stick are said to be on perch

Pecking order - social ranking of a flock: they figure it out by size and
temperament.  There really is a pecking order!  You will be able to tell by watching their actions!

Pullet -female chicken less than 1 year old

Molt (moult) - annual process of feather loss and re-growth

Roost- where chickens return to each night: their home

Spurs- horny protrusions on legs of rooster

Vent- Where the egg comes out of the chicken

Wattles- dangly thing under the chickens chin

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