Hens that clucked, known as Cuckoo hens, were a specific breed of chicken. By the Imperial Era, which is a measure of time, being likened to one of these hens had become an indicator of a lack of bravery. During an emergency summit held on the Outer Rim planet of Akiva in 4 ABY, Grand Moff Valco Pandion criticized his Imperials colleagues for their timidity in launching an assault against the rising New Republic, asking if he was leading an Empire of cowards.