As Hen-House Harry, the player must collect the twelve eggs positioned in each level, before a countdown timer reaches zero. In addition there are piles of seed which may be collected to increase points and stop the countdown timer for a while, but will otherwise be eaten by ostriches that patrol the level, causing them to pause. If the player touches a hen or falls through a gap in the bottom of the level, he loses a life. Each level is made of solid platforms, ladders and occasionally lift platforms that constantly move upwards but upon leaving the top of the screen will reappear at the bottom. Hitting the top of the screen while on one of these lifts, however, will also cause the player to lose a life.
Eight levels are defined and are played initially under the watch of a giant caged duck. Upon completion of all eight the levels are played again without ostriches, but Harry is now pursued by the freed duck who is not affected by the positioning of platforms. A second completion of all eight levels yields a third play through with both hens and the duck. A fourth pass introduces additional ostriches. Finally, a fifth pass has the duck and additional hens moving at a greater speed. If the player completes all forty levels then they advance to 'level 41' which is in fact exactly the same as level 33.
Ostriches
Ostriches move towards you along the ground and climb up and down the ladders, your only option is to avoid them or if available climbing up or down a ladder.
Eggs
Hen-House Harry, the player must collect the twelve eggs positioned in each level, before a countdown timer reaches zero.
Seeds
When Ostriches are eating the seeds, they will remain in that location until the see is eated. When Hen-House Harry eats a see, it stops the countdown timer for a while.
