A hen is a female chicken, a domesticated bird commonly raised for its eggs and meat. Hens belong to the species Gallus gallus domesticus and are known for their distinctive clucking sounds. They typically have a plump body, a small head, and a comb on top, which varies in size and shape among different breeds. Hens are social animals that often live in flocks. They lay eggs, which can be collected for consumption or incubation. The average hen can lay about 250 to 300 eggs per year, depending on factors like breed, age, and environment.