Gamefowl glossary

Plain-language definitions for newcomers. Show classifications and eligibility follow the rules of the particular event.

Beginner guide · Frequently asked questions

Birds, ages & sex

Gamefowl

Domestic chickens associated with traditional game breeds and breeding lines. The term covers more than one breed.

Chick

A young chicken in its early growth stage.

Cockerel

A male chicken under one year old.

Cock or rooster

An adult male chicken. In age-based exhibition classes, “cock” generally means a male one year old or older.

Pullet

A female chicken under one year old.

Hen

An adult female chicken, generally one year old or older in exhibition terminology.

Reference: Indiana State Poultry Association glossary. Confirm age cutoffs in your show’s entry rules.

Breeding & identification

Breed

A recognized group of chickens with inherited distinguishing characteristics.

Variety

A subdivision within a breed, often distinguished by color, pattern, or comb type.

Bloodline

A family or line of birds maintained through breeding. A familiar line name alone is not a documented pedigree.

Pedigree

A record of ancestry. Its usefulness depends on accurate identification and records of parentage.

Hatch date

The date a bird emerged from its egg. Record an estimate as an estimate when the exact date is unknown.

Leg band

An identification band worn on a bird’s leg. Check fit and condition regularly as the bird grows.

Comb

The fleshy structure on top of a chicken’s head.

Wattles

The fleshy structures hanging below a chicken’s beak.

Breed and variety reference: Indiana poultry terminology.

Daily care & flock health

Brooding

Caring for young chicks, including appropriate warmth, shelter, feed, and water.

Broody

Describes a hen showing the instinct to sit on eggs and hatch them.

Molt

The natural shedding and replacement of feathers.

Complete feed

A formulated ration intended to supply the nutrients needed for a specified age or production stage when fed as directed.

Biosecurity

Everyday practices that reduce the chance of bringing disease into a flock or spreading it between birds and premises.

Quarantine

Keeping incoming birds apart from the established flock for observation and risk reduction. USDA recommends 30 days for new birds; ask a poultry veterinarian about your situation.

Isolation

Separating sick or suspect birds from others while you seek veterinary advice and follow a disease-control plan.

Care references: University of Minnesota Extension · USDA biosecurity basics · USDA new-bird checklist

Shows & organizations

Exhibition

Showing birds for evaluation under an event’s published rules.

Class

A grouping used to organize judging or entries. A show may divide birds by breed, variety, age, sex, or another stated criterion.

Breed standard

A written description of the desired characteristics of a breed or variety. Use the standard recognized by the event you plan to enter.

NPIP

The National Poultry Improvement Plan, a voluntary federal-state program with specific poultry disease-testing and certification classifications. Participation is not a guarantee against every disease or a substitute for checking event and destination requirements.

UGBA

United Gamefowl Breeders Association, founded in 1975. The official website is UGBANow.com.

Affiliated state

A state organization affiliated with UGBA. See the current affiliated-state list or contact UGBA for help.

Program reference: USDA’s NPIP overview.

Have a term you would like explained? Send UGBA a question.

Updated November 5, 2026