A group of chickens is commonly called a flock.
When you see multiple chickens together, you’re looking at more than just random birds – you’re observing a social unit with its own unique name. The most common term for a group of chickens is a “flock,” but there’s much more to chicken group terminology than this simple answer.
The Official Term: Flock
A flock refers to any group of chickens, regardless of gender or age composition. This term applies to:
- Groups of hens (female chickens)
- Groups with a rooster (male chicken) present
- Mixed-age groups including chicks
Flock sizes can vary dramatically from just a few birds to hundreds in commercial operations. Interestingly, chickens naturally form social hierarchies within their flocks called “pecking orders.” You can learn more about this behavior in our article about why chickens peck each other.
Specialized Chicken Group Names
While “flock” is the universal term, specific types of chicken groups have their own names:
Brood (Mother with Chicks)
When a hen is raising her young, the group is called a “brood.” This term emphasizes the maternal relationship.
Clutch (Eggs Being Hatched)
A group of eggs being incubated by a hen is known as a “clutch.” The average clutch size is 10-12 eggs.
Peep (Baby Chicks)
Very young chicks together are sometimes called a “peep,” named after their characteristic sound.
Chicken Group Behavior
Chickens are highly social creatures with complex group dynamics:
| Group Size | Typical Behavior |
|---|---|
| Small (3-5 birds) | More skittish, establish pecking order quickly |
| Medium (6-15 birds) | Most common backyard flock size, stable social structure |
| Large (15+ birds) | More complex hierarchy, may need multiple feeding stations |
According to research from the Poultry Science Association, chickens in groups exhibit behaviors like communal nesting, dust bathing together, and group foraging.
Urban Chicken Flocks
With the rise of urban chicken-keeping, many people maintain small flocks in their backyards. These flocks typically consist of 3-10 hens (many cities prohibit roosters due to noise). Our guide on coop size for 10 chickens can help urban farmers create proper housing.
Key considerations for urban flocks include:
- Local ordinances on flock size
- Proper coop and run space
- Noise management
- Predator protection
Commercial Chicken Groups
In commercial operations, chickens are kept in much larger groups with specialized terminology:
- Breeder flock: Chickens kept for egg production
- Broiler flock: Chickens raised for meat
- Pullet flock: Young female chickens not yet laying eggs
The USDA has specific regulations about flock densities and living conditions in commercial poultry operations.
Why Group Terminology Matters
Understanding chicken group names isn’t just trivia – it helps with:
- Proper husbandry practices
- Communicating with other chicken keepers
- Understanding chicken behavior research
- Complying with agricultural regulations
Whether you’re referring to a backyard brood or a commercial breeder flock, using the correct terminology shows your poultry knowledge and helps ensure clear communication about these fascinating birds.