How do you name a chicken?

[gullinkambe]

I usually start with a theme, but ultimately pick ones that "feels right" when I call them out loud.

And usually only half gets proper names, and the rest gets identifying nicknames based on looks or behavior. I'm nothing if not inconsistent!

 

[AntiqueB]

All of my Barred Plymouth Rock hens are named Pocahontas because they are Plymouth Rocks and my barred rock rooster is named John Smith

We saw a flock at a B&B in Williamsburg, VA, where all the girls were named Marie (but with different middle names). I don't know how useful those middle names were; all the chickens were Welsummers or GLWs!

 

[Outgoing Orpingtons]

I’m the namer of cats and hens in our family. My favorite little hen was the runt and I called her Lil’ Bit. Her sisters are Pixie, Trixie, Lolly, Spark, Maxi and Felix (I just realized I’ve got a thing for the x’s ).
I’ve got two old girls who I rescued from the shelter (nearly 10 years old!) and the first was Dumplin and the other is Darlin.

I have an very pretty Ameraucana hen named Pixie.

 

[BlueO]

Not sure if this counts with waterfowl?

 

[MuthaCluckas]

I have one hen I named based off the color egg she produces (name: Bluebell)
3 hens of the same breed, but different colors are named after the "Powerpuff Girls" (Buttercup, Blossom & Bubbles)
My 2 Marans are named after something I like - based off their colors (gems; Opal & Onyx)
The rest are silly "chicken" names like Sesame, Lemon Pepper, Sam-I-Am (Dr.Suess inspired; she lays green eggs lol)

 

[Outgoing Orpingtons]

My hens are named Midnight, Pixie, Fluffy butt, Kimchi, Cinnamon, Udon, Foghorn, Pikachu, Ginger, Dot, Omelette, Lucky, Dandelion, Buttercup, Snowball, Snowflake, Milky way, Summer, Sunflower, Calico, Sapphire, Galaxy, Puffball, Milkshake, and Sparkles. My roosters are named Fluffy, Spotty, Wally, and Speckles. My ducks are named Violet, and Pudding. My drakes are named Brownie, Donald, Stormy, and Cupcake.

 

[Outgoing Orpingtons]

Not sure if this counts with waterfowl?

Waterfowl count!

 

[kattabelly]

I don't name them just to give them a name. Some suggest a name for themself at some point, or sometimes I'll pick something just because I keep catching myself identifying them with some really long-winded "name" like the-one-of-the-two-younger-Barred-Rock-pullets-that-doesn't-have-any-solid-black-feathers (now Dolly, because her older sister who thinks she's a parrot is Polly and her hatchmate sister with the solid black feathers is Dotty. And she's gorgeous but less outgoing and robust than the others)