Why can't hens fly?

The truth is they can, but really, really badly.  Thousands of years ago, their ancestors would have had the power of full flight – and then we came along.  We know they used to be able to fly because of the lightness of their bones and the numerous air pockets in them.  Plus they have in common with all other flying birds the air sacks around the lungs that they need to make their breathing more efficient. Although it proved impossible to source an copyright free image of a hen actually flying, below is Daphne, with her first experience of snow. She almost flies back in to her coop after deciding it really isn't for her!

Image Credit Flickr User Teresia