Welcome to the enchanting world of hens, those clucking and bustling backyard favorites! Ever pondered what to call a group of hens when you see them pecking around in the garden? Just like we use “a school of fish” or “a herd of cows,” hens also have their unique collective nouns. Today, we’ll uncover the special terms used to describe gatherings of hens, which are not only fun to say but also paint a vivid picture of these feathered friends in action. Let’s start our exploration into the fascinating terminology for groups of hens!
Collective Noun for Hens
| Collective Noun | Description |
|---|---|
| Brood | A group of hens with their chicks |
| Flock | A general term for a group of hens |
| Peep | A group of young hens or chicks |
| Clutch | Hens sitting on their eggs |
| Parade | Hens walking in line together |
Detailed Explanations and Examples for Hens
Brood
A “brood” refers to a mother hen and her chicks, emphasizing the nurturing relationship.
- Example: “In the corner of the barn, a brood of hens clucked softly, keeping their chicks warm.”
- Example: “The mother hen led her brood out into the yard for their first taste of the morning sun.”
- Example: “A protective brood of hens surrounded their chicks, shielding them from the rain.”
Flock
“Flock” is a general term for any group of hens, often seen foraging together in the yard.
- Example: “A flock of hens pecked at the ground, searching for seeds and insects.”
- Example: “As we scattered feed, the flock of hens hurried over, clucking excitedly.”
- Example: “The farm’s flock of hens roamed freely, enjoying the vast open space.”
Peep
A “peep” is a term used for a group of young hens or chicks, capturing the sound they make.
- Example: “We watched a peep of chicks follow their mother around the garden.”
- Example: “The peep of young hens huddled together for warmth as night fell.”
- Example: “Hearing the soft peeps, we discovered a hidden nest with a group of chicks.”
Clutch
“Clutch” describes hens that are sitting on their eggs, a term that also refers to the eggs themselves.
- Example: “In the coop, a clutch of hens sat patiently on their nests, waiting for their eggs to hatch.”
- Example: “We carefully checked each clutch of hens to ensure they had enough straw for comfort.”
- Example: “The farmer showed us a clutch of hens, each proudly guarding her eggs.”
Parade
When hens walk in line together, often following a leader, they’re said to be in a “parade.”
- Example: “Every morning, a parade of hens marched out of the coop to explore the farmyard.”
- Example: “The children laughed as a parade of hens followed them, hoping for treats.”
- Example: “A parade of hens crossed the road, moving in perfect unison from one field to another.”
Hens, with their communal living and caring for their young, offer a wonderful glimpse into the social structure of the animal kingdom. Whether it’s a brood, flock, peep, clutch, or parade, each term gives us a deeper appreciation for these feathered creatures.
