Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Poultry Science

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Poultry Science 1. Broiler vs. Layer One of the most fundamental distinctions in poultry science is between broilers and layers. Broilers are chickens raised for meat, while layers are specifically bred for egg production. Remember, broilers for meat, layers for eggs. 2. Incubation vs. Hatching Incubation and hatching are two crucial stages in the poultry life cycle. Incubation refers to the process of keeping eggs warm and at the right humidity for them to develop. Hatching, on the other hand, is when the chick finally breaks through the shell and emerges into the world. 3. Pullet vs. Hen Pullet and hen are terms used to describe female chickens at different stages of maturity. A pullet is a young female chicken that has not yet started laying eggs, while a hen is a mature female that is actively producing eggs. 4. Cockerel vs. Rooster Similar to pullet and hen, cockerel and rooster are terms for male chickens at different stages. A cockerel is a young male chicken, while a rooster is a mature male. Roosters are known for their distinctive crowing. 5. Flock vs. Herd