1. 280-315 beats per minute - the heart of a chicken
The heart of a chicken is a remarkable organ, beating at an impressive rate of 280 to 315 times per minute. This is much faster than the average human heart rate, which typically beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. The chicken heart is also much smaller than a human heart, measuring only about the size of a walnut. Despite its small size, the chicken heart is capable of pumping blood throughout the body at a rapid rate, allowing chickens to stay active and alert.
Also → The United Kingdom Has More Chickens Than Humans
Advertisement2. Lay 600+ Eggs in 2 Years, No Rooster Needed!
Chickens are incredibly productive creatures, capable of laying over 600 eggs in their first two years of life without the need of a rooster. Amazingly, they start laying eggs at the tender age of 6 months, making them a great source of eggs for farmers and homesteaders alike.
Also → Kansas home to highest population of prairie chickens in US
3. Chickens are surprisingly speedy creatures
Chickens are surprisingly speedy creatures, capable of running up to 9 mph! In fact, a headless chicken can even run the length of a football field before dropping dead, as long as the brain stem remains undamaged. This remarkable feat is made possible by the chicken's unique physiology, which allows it to continue running even after its head has been removed.
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4. Mother Hens Are Incredibly Dedicated to Their Eggs
Mother hens are incredibly dedicated to their eggs, turning them around 50 times a day to ensure the yolk doesn't stick to the shell. This is an important part of the incubation process, as it helps to keep the egg warm and evenly distributes the nutrients throughout the egg. It also helps to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell, which can cause deformities or even death. This is why it's so important for mother hens to be diligent in their egg-turning duties.
Also → Female octopuses lay 40,000 eggs at a time and then die
Advertisement5. The Omnivores
Chickens are fascinating creatures, as they are omnivores that can eat a wide variety of foods. Not only do they enjoy seeds and fruits, but they also feast on insects, mice, and even lizards! In the wild, chickens can live for up to 11 years, making them a long-term companion for any backyard farmer.
Also → Snakes: Unique Egg-Layers & Ovoviviparous Species
6. Chickens are Highly Social Creatures That Live in Flocks
Chickens are highly social creatures, living together in flocks and taking a communal approach to the incubation of eggs and raising of their young. This means that the hens will take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm, and when the chicks hatch, the entire flock will help to protect and feed them. This cooperative behavior is one of the reasons why chickens have been so successful as a species.
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7. Red Earlobes = Brown Eggs
Chickens are fascinating creatures, and one of the most interesting facts about them is that the color of their earlobes can determine the color of the eggs they lay. Chickens with red earlobes lay brown eggs, while those with white earlobes lay white eggs. This is a trait that has been observed in many breeds of chickens, and it's a great way to tell them apart.
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Advertisement8. Baby The Cutest of All
Female chickens, known as pullets, are not considered old enough to lay eggs until they reach a certain age. Baby chickens, or chicks, are the cutest of all, while males are referred to as roosters, cocks, or cockerels. Roosters are known for their loud crowing, while pullets are usually quieter and more docile.
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9. Chickens Form Complex Social Structures to Stay Dominant
Chickens are highly social creatures, forming complex social structures known as "pecking orders". Each chicken is aware of its place in the social hierarchy, with the most dominant chicken at the top and the least dominant at the bottom. This pecking order is established through a variety of behaviors, such as pecking, chasing, and even feather ruffling. The pecking order is constantly changing as chickens compete for dominance, and it is essential for the flock's overall health and well-being.
Also → Female squids are incredibly prolific breeders
10. Chickens' Vivid Color Vision: A World Humans Can Only Dream Of
Chickens are remarkable creatures with a full-color vision that allows them to see the world in a way that humans can only dream of. Not only that, but they are also incredibly clean animals, preening their feathers every day to keep themselves looking their best. This natural behavior helps them to stay healthy and safe in their environment, and it's something that we can all learn from.
