Chickens are the most common bird on the planet. They outnumber humans by a ratio of four to one. Furthermore, these birds possess surprising intelligence and complex social structures. Consequently, they are far more than just a food source. Explore these fascinating details about the barnyard favorites.
Chicken
Chickens are the closest living relatives of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. remarkably, scientists confirmed this link by analyzing proteins found in a dinosaur fossil.
They can dream while they sleep. Research shows they experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycles. Therefore, their brains are active even when they nap.
Hens talk to their chicks while they are still inside the eggs. Softly, the mother clucks to the unhatched babies. In response, the chicks peep back to her through the shell.
A chicken can recognize up to 100 different faces. surprisingly, they remember humans, dogs, and other chickens. They do not forget these faces even after months of separation.
They have better color vision than humans. Specifically, their eyes have four types of color receptors. Thus, they can see ultraviolet light that remains invisible to us.
The color of their earlobes usually predicts the color of their eggs. Generally, hens with red earlobes lay brown eggs. Conversely, hens with white earlobes lay white eggs.
Gainesville, Georgia passed a law about fried chicken. strictly, it is illegal to eat it with a fork. You must use your bare hands to respect the “culinary delicacy.”
They have a natural gimbal in their necks. remarkably, they can keep their heads perfectly still while their bodies move. This helps them spot predators or food with laser focus.
Chickens take dust baths instead of water baths. They roll around in the dirt to clean themselves. This process removes excess oil and parasites from their feathers.
A strict hierarchy exists in every flock. We call this the “pecking order.” Dominant birds eat first, while weaker birds must wait for their turn.
They can run up to nine miles per hour. Although they cannot fly well, they are surprisingly fast on the ground. This speed helps them escape from danger quickly.
Chickens have three eyelids on each eye. Specifically, they possess a third transparent lid called a nictitating membrane. This protects their eyes from dust while they scratch the ground.
It is illegal for chickens to cross the road in Quitman, Georgia. The town created this law to ensure owners keep their poultry under control.
Mother hens teach their chicks what to eat. They make a specific food call to attract their babies. Then, they pick up and drop food to show them it is safe.
Finally, the waste from chickens can generate electricity. specialized power plants burn poultry litter to create energy. This provides a renewable source of power for thousands of homes.
