Roosters and Hens

Class: Birds
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
Species: Gallus gallus

Phasianinae (Phasianids) are characterized by a strong sexual dimorphism, meaning the difference between males and females is very clear.
Males are highly decorated, with bright colors and very showy ornaments such as wattles (reddish or reddish-brown skin folds visible under the rooster’s beak) and long tails, generally larger than those of females. They play no role in raising the offspring.

Did you know that...

…hens lay eggs even without a rooster!
How is that possible? The hen’s DNA “tells” her to try to reproduce at all costs, so she lays eggs even if none are fertilized. A female chick is born already with her full set of egg cells, which she will lay throughout her life.

…they have X-ray vision!
Despite their limited eye mobility — their eyes are almost fixed in their sockets (which is why they move their heads jerkily) — they have a very special sight. Their eyes are sensitive to three colors — red, green, and blue — which combined allow them to see the entire visible spectrum. Roosters and hens can also see ultraviolet light: even if they were blind, they could still tell day from night and monitor the feather growth of their chicks.

…the egg came first!
During the Carboniferous period, the first equipped embryo appeared — that is, one enclosed in a shell, allowing development outside of water. However, note that hens did not yet exist at that time.

Continue your visit and find out about its prehistoric relative!

Its prehistoric ancestor is called T-Rex…

It seems impossible, but it’s true! The hen still carries the genetic legacy of its common ancestor with the T-Rex. If environmental conditions became favorable again, the hen could once more become a dinosaur. You’re looking at a small Tyrannosaurus Rex farm!

Scan and play!
You’ll find more fun facts and insights.

How to behave?

To get along with me, remember that I’m not a toy.
Respect my way of being and, if you don’t want to end up in unpleasant situations, learn to understand my behavior.
Here are the main rules!

❌ Don’t put your hands through the fence!
We’re very curious and greedy, and every time we see your hands enter the fence, we think you’re bringing food — and we might peck you.

❌ Don’t throw things at us!
It may sound strange, but please don’t throw stones, clumps of earth, or any other objects you find lying around…

❌ Don’t collect the eggs.
Not all the eggs you see are meant to be eaten.

🚫 DON’T FEED US WITHOUT ASKING.
If you want to give us fresh grass, place it near the lower part of the fence and let us come closer. Be careful with your fingers!

✅ Use your eyes to look, not your hands.
Don’t climb or hang on the fence — it could break, and we might escape.

✅ Keep the door closed.
If you are authorized to enter or exit the henhouse, always make sure the door is properly closed.