A Run of Hens

A Run of Hens refers to a group of female chickens that are raised or kept together in an enclosed area known as a run.

Hens are highly social birds, and they often thrive in the company of others. When several hens are raised or kept together, they form what is widely called a run. The word run can have several meanings, but here it refers to an enclosed space where the hens can freely move around and exercise, typically demarcated with fences to keep them safe from predators.

A run of hens usually consists of a varying number of individuals. It can include a few hens in a backyard coop or a larger flock in commercial farms. The hens in a run share a common space, so they interact and establish a pecking order—a hierarchical ranking that helps maintain order within the group.

Hens in a run typically display natural behaviors and engage in activities that are important for their physical and mental well-being. They scratch the ground for insects or seeds, take dust baths, preen their feathers, and communicate with each other through a range of vocalizations.

The term run of hens can also be used metaphorically to describe a period of time when a significant number of female chickens are raised, bred, or kept together, often for specific purposes. These purposes might include egg production, breeding for the creation of new generations, or for meat production.

Overall, a run of hens represents a dynamic and social gathering of female chickens, fostering their natural behaviors, providing them with essential companionship, and serving various practical or commercial purposes depending on the context.