Here are 10 surprising facts about chickens:
Well-intentioned consumers are being duped by pictures of hens in open green fields into taking home the very products of crowding and misery that they paid higher prices to avoid.
Well-intentioned consumers are being duped by pictures of hens in open green fields into taking home the very products of crowding and misery that they paid higher prices to avoid.
Chickens can distinguish between more than 100 faces of
their own species. Looks like elephants aren’t the only ones who have a great
memory.
Flock of Chickens
Chickens know who’s boss—they form complex social
structures known as “pecking orders,” and every chicken knows his or her place
on the social
ladder.
Chickens and Rooster Flock in Grassy Field
Chickens have full-color vision—no color-blindness here!
Red chicken in a cage
Who likes to sunbathe? Apparently everyone—humans, cats,
dogs, and chickens too! You can’t blame them, and they don’t even need
sunscreen.
Chicken Sunbathing in Grassy Field
Chickens are real sleeping beauties—they experience rapid
eye movement (REM) sleep, which means they dream just like we do.
Chicks Falling Asleep
Chickens have pain receptors that give them the ability to
feel pain and distress. Put yourself in the shoes (or the feathers) of a
battery hen—or 452 million of them, which is how many are used for their eggs
each year.
Hens defend their young from predators. Looks like calling
someone a “chicken” is actually a compliment!
help chickens used for food
Who needs pepper spray? Chickens have more than 30 types of
vocalizations to distinguish between threats.
Chickens are just like human mothers who talk to their
babies in the womb—a mother hen begins to teach calls to her chicks before they
even hatch.
Baby Chicks in Grass
Last but not least, chickens are adorable—take a look for
yourself!
Baby Chick in Grass
Help us spread the word about how interesting chickens are
by sharing with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter. If you haven’t
already, be sure to join our Action Team to find out how to do more for
chickens (and for all animals!).