Fun Facts About Chickens You May Not Know
Breeds that failed before becoming popular
Some chicken breeds had to struggle before they found their place in the world of poultry.
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White Leghorn- This breed was almost extinct when it was first introduced in America during the mid-1800s. After being reintroduced to America in the 1950s it has gained huge popularity. It is now a mainstay in backyard flocks as well as commercial farms.
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Plymouth Rock First appearing in the show rings in 1849, this breed disappeared for 20 years before returning in 1869. The breed was the most popular until WWII when hybrid broilers took over. They are still a favorite among backyard chicken keepers today.
Famous Chicken Breeds
Some chicken breeds are popular due to their unique characteristics and popularity.
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Rhode Island Red- This is the world's most popular breed of chicken. Its friendly nature makes it a favorite at petting zoos.
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Black Australorp- This chicken is so beloved in Australia, it's been named the national bird of that country.
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State Birds The state bird of Delaware is the Blue Hen (1939), and the state bird of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Red (1954)
Full Of Personality
The personalities of chickens are unique, making them interesting and fun pets.
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Delaware Hens These birds are known for being fun-loving, but can be grumpy when things do not go as planned.
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Pet Chickens – More people keep chickens as pets. They choose friendly breeds such as Silkies, Orpingtons and Golden Comets.
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Spockled Sussex This breed is highly intelligent and can be taught to do tricks. They are a great choice for family members who want a dog that will interact with them.
Australorp Trivia
Black Australorps is one of the most popular breeds in the world.
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A Black Australorp set a new record for laying 364 eggs in just 365 days.
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Black Australorps are a cross between Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds. They were originally bred in Australia from Black Orpingtons.
Instant success breeds
Some breeds take time to become popular, while others are instant successes.
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Orpingtons- This breed became popular immediately after it won the Grand Prize Cup at its first Crystal Palace Poultry Show, in England.
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Golden Comets- These chickens were developed in the 1950s and quickly became popular due to their friendly disposition and high egg production.
All Chickens Big And Small
The size of chickens can vary from tiny to giant.
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Seramas The world's small chicken breed. Hens can weigh as little as a half-pound.
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Jersey Giants -- The largest breed of chicken, with roosters that can weigh up to 15 pounds. Capons are even heavier! ).
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Malay is the tallest chicken in the world, standing at an average of 3 feet tall.
Egg layers
The ability of chickens to lay eggs is truly amazing.
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Golden Buff Chicks- Hatch out of white eggs, but eventually lay brown eggs.
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Marans- A breed of bird known for its dark brown eggs.
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Penedesenca Hens lay dark eggs to start the season. They turn chocolate with time.
Ancient Breeds
These breeds are old and have proven themselves.
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Dominique- Also known as "Pilgrim Chicken", it was the very first breed to be developed in America.
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Java An old American breed which contributed to the development and growth of Rhode Island Reds (also known as Plymouth Rocks), Jersey Giants, and Plymouth Rocks.
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Old English Gamefowl is a breed that dates back to 55 B.C. and has more color variations than any other breed.
Unique Physical Characteristics
The physical characteristics of chickens are unique.
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Naked necks (Turkens- These chickens are balder than most other breeds and have a similar appearance to turkeys.
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Five toed breeds While most chickens only have four feet, Dorkings Faverolles Houdans Silkies and Sultans all have five.
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Sebrights- They lack the long hackles and saddle feathers of most roosters.
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Rose combed breeds- Wyandottes, and other rose-combed dogs don't inherit their rose combs due to genetics.
A truly unique chicken
This breed is so unique that it cannot be left out of any list of fun facts about chickens.
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Sumatras- These chickens are known for their black crow like appearance and amazing flying abilities. They can fly five miles, and even across rivers.
Conclusion
The chicken is a fascinating creature with many breeds and unique characteristics. It also has surprising talents. These fun facts will show you why chickens truly are one of nature's wonders.
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