Chickens Make Great Pets—Here’s Why

It may not seem like it, but chickens are incredible pets and livestock animals. They offer a unique blend of companionship, utility, and a lot of personality. They are not only endlessly entertaining but also provide fresh eggs, pest control, and natural fertilizer for gardens. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of caring for nearly a hundred chickens. Through this experience, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about their care, behavior, and general chicken facts.

Whether you want to learn about chickens or are considering starting with a few hens for eggs or as pets, the journey of learning about chickens is a fun one. Chickens are full of character, each with unique traits that make them endearing and charming. They can be curious, social, and even affectionate.

You have heard of chicken math, right? It’s the idea of how easy it is to start with just a couple of chickens and, before you know it, end up with a much larger flock. Raising a couple of chickens or a hundred chickens is essentially the same process, setup, and time, so why not have more? The allure of their quirky personalities, the joy of watching them thrive, and the differences of each chicken breed often lead to an exponential increase in numbers.

Let’s learn about the 10 most fascinating facts about chickens.

Pecking Order

When you hear the phrase “pecking order,” you understand that it refers to a ranking of status, and this is incredibly true, and sometimes brutally so, in the chicken world. The pecking order, also known as a dominance hierarchy, is a fascinating aspect of chicken behavior. Established through a series of interactions, this hierarchy determines access to food, nesting sites, and overall dominance among the birds. Typically, the most assertive hens rise to the top, while lower-ranking chickens are often seen yielding to their more dominant peers. To establish their dominance, the alpha chickens will peck at the chickens they believe are below them. Pecking is normal, but if the chickens become too aggressive, they may need to be separated from each other. Understanding the pecking order is crucial, as it affects not only the well-being of the flock but also its social dynamics. They figure out who belongs where in the flock.

Social Animals

Chickens are inherently social creatures. We have already established that they have a pecking order, but they also need their flock for various needs. Chickens rely on their companions for security. Chickens alert each other to danger. They feel safer when surrounded by their peers.

Additionally, the warmth and comfort provided by being part of a flock are essential, especially in colder weather. Chickens will often huddle together to share body heat, ensuring that each member stays warm. If you ever see baby chicks in a brooder, you will see that they are just in one big pile. 

Social interaction among chickens is also crucial to their overall well-being and happiness. A solitary chicken, separated from its flock, is likely to experience stress and loneliness. Loneliness can lead to behavioral issues and negatively impact its health. Therefore, when considering adding chickens to your home or farm, it is highly recommended to purchase at least three. This number suggestion ensures that they have companions to interact with, fostering a more stable environment.

Research suggests that chickens can recognize approximately 100 different faces, encompassing both human and animal identities. This ability highlights their social intelligence, allowing them to form bonds and navigate their social world effectively. Recognizing individual members of their flock, as well as the humans they interact with, enables chickens to build relationships and establish social connections.

Chicken Run

In the movie Rocky II, there is a scene where Rocky Balboa’s trainer, Mickey, makes Rocky chase a chicken to train. He said that this is how they used to train in the old days, and if Rocky could catch the chicken, he would be able to catch grease lightning. Rocky talks about how it is embarrassing, and if you ever have to chase a chicken, you might agree with him. Chickens can run at speeds of around 9 miles per hour. This surprising speed can be attributed to their lightweight bodies and strong leg muscles, which enable them to make quick bursts of movement. Chickens often display this speed when startled or are running from a predator (perceived or real). Their agility is a crucial survival trait, helping them thrive in both wild and domestic settings.

Something to Say

Chickens have an intricate system of communication that goes beyond simple clucks and crows. According to Time, Dr. Erich Baeumer, a country physician from Wiedenau, Germany, discovered that chickens utilize an intentional language composed of around 30 basic sentences. This complex system of vocalizations enables chickens to convey a range of messages, from alerting the flock to potential danger to signaling hunger or expressing contentment. Each sound serves a specific purpose; for instance, a distinct cluck might indicate the presence of food, while a series of rapid calls can warn of a predator. If you have been around chickens, you know that they are “talking” to you even if you don’t understand what they are saying. Different types of breeds are more vocal than others. This is a good thing to research and know if you plan on having chickens. You may want to consider breeds that are less vocal if you are concerned about noise from neighbors. Chickens can modify their vocalizations in response to context, enabling nuanced communication within the flock. This remarkable ability to communicate effectively highlights the social intelligence of chickens and their need for connection and cooperation within their community. Most of them certainly have a lot to say. 

Food Choices

When we first got into chickens, we consulted with a chicken breeder about what to feed our backyard flock, and the breeder told us, “Chickens eat everything; they would eat you if they could.” That humorous statement stuck with us, and it is entirely accurate. Chickens are omnivores. They are not vegetarians. Chickens eat grains, seeds, insects, and even small animals. They will eat larger animal products, such as fish or beef, if it is offered to them. This adaptability in their diet also helps them thrive during times of food insecurity.

Chickens’ relentless quest for food means they are always on the lookout for tasty treats, whether it’s a juicy worm or some fallen fruit. They are always scratching at the ground to see what they can uncover. By understanding their dietary needs and foraging behaviors, we can provide a balanced diet that keeps our chickens happy and healthy, allowing them to express their instincts while enjoying a varied menu. The bottom line is that chickens like variety beyond just chicken feed. 

All Eggs are Unique

Eggs can come in a variety of colors: white, cream, brown, pink, green, and blue. The color of the eggs depends on the genetics of the chicken breed. If you examine a chicken’s earlobes, you may be able to determine the color of its eggs. Hens with white earlobes typically lay white eggs, while those with red earlobes generally lay brown eggs. However, there are exceptions, and some breeds with red earlobes can lay white eggs and vice versa, so it is not an exact science.

You may notice that some eggs may have small speckles on their shells, which are caused by extra calcium deposits. These speckles can occur for a couple of reasons. It could be due to an excess of calcium in the chicken’s system, which may result from their diet or supplements. Speckling can happen during the egg creation process itself, as the hen’s body deposits additional calcium onto the shell as it forms. This natural occurrence does not affect the quality or taste of the egg; rather, it adds a unique characteristic to each shell. They are like snowflakes…no two are the same.

The age and health of the hen influence the quality and shape of an egg. Seasonal changes and stress can affect egg production. Hens typically lay fewer eggs in the winter. A healthy hen can lay about 250 to 300 eggs per year, depending on overall living conditions. Some of the smaller bantam varieties may produce considerably fewer eggs.

In general, proper care and nutrition are crucial for maintaining the hen’s health and ensuring optimal egg production. Overall, the diversity in egg color and quality reflects the wide variety of chicken breeds and their unique characteristics.

Chicken Vision

Chickens possess a unique eye structure known as a double cone, which contributes to their remarkable eyesight. This specialized design allows them to perceive a broader spectrum of colors than humans can, enhancing their ability to navigate their environment. Interestingly, chickens can also sense light through their pineal gland, which plays a role in regulating their circadian rhythms and overall behavior. However, despite their impressive vision during the day, chickens do not see well in low-light conditions, making them less adept at navigating in the dark.

In addition to their exceptional eyesight, chickens tend to move their heads more than their eyes. This behavior allows them to optimize their vision by providing better depth perception and a wider field of view. By tilting and turning their heads, chickens can effectively scan their surroundings for food, predators, and other flock members, showcasing their adaptability and keen awareness of their environment.

Chicken Brain

Chickens are surprisingly intelligent creatures, capable of problem-solving, recognizing faces, and even engaging in playful activities. While many people may not initially perceive chickens as intelligent animals, recent studies have revealed a wealth of cognitive abilities that challenge this stereotype. According to Scientific American, chickens can exhibit behaviors that are both deceptive and cunning, demonstrating a level of intelligence that rivals that of some primates. Their sophisticated communication skills enable them to convey intentions through a variety of vocalizations and body language, demonstrating their ability to interact meaningfully with one another and their environment.

Chickens learn from both positive and negative experiences, which helps them adapt to different situations effectively. They can navigate their surroundings by remembering specific locations, routines, and even social hierarchies within their flock. This impressive memory contributes to their ability to thrive in various environments. Research has also shown that chickens possess basic numerical and arithmetic skills, enabling them to count and solve simple math problems.

No Sweat

Chickens don’t sweat. That is right, they don’t! They are resilient birds; whether it’s hot or cold, they can tolerate a great deal. When it is hot, chickens cool off by panting. You will notice that their beaks are open when it is very hot.  Chickens possess unique physiological features that enable them to regulate their body temperature. The combs and wattles, being the only exposed skin areas, provide direct access to air, making them crucial for dissipating excess body heat. This heat dissipation can often result in a paler skin tone in these extremities. Keeping the wattles and comb cool is essential for effective temperature regulation. Similarly, when chickens become overheated, they instinctively stretch out their wings and raise their feathers to catch a refreshing breeze. By extending their wings away from their bodies, they release trapped heat and promote airflow against their skin, further aiding in their cooling.

There are several ways humans can help chickens beat the heat.

• Cool Water – Providing fresh and cool water is key. Chickens tend to dislike drinking warm water when it is hot outside. They use the cool water to help them regulate their temperature.
• Provide Shade – Having shade is an excellent start in combating the heat. 
• Ventilation – Chickens need both their run and coops to offer ventilation, helping to circulate air. 
• Frozen Food – Giving chicken frozen peas or berries is a great way to help cool off the flock. 

Ties to Dinosaurs

People talk about chickens being little dinosaurs well, they are! Chickens (along with ostriches) are the closest living relatives of the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. This connection isn’t just based on a few surface-level similarities; it’s rooted in deep anatomical, molecular, and behavioral evidence.

On a molecular level, birds are direct descendants of theropod dinosaurs a group that includes T. rex and Velociraptor. Anatomically, birds and theropods share features like hollow bones, a similar arrangement of limb bones, and even traces of primitive feathers.

But beyond the physical and genetic connections, chickens also display behavioral similarities to their prehistoric ancestors. Their social hierarchies resemble pack structures theorized for some dinosaur species, with dominant individuals asserting control over food and nesting areas. Chickens’ foraging habits, scratching at the ground in search of food, mirror the behavior of many omnivorous dinosaurs that used their claws to dig or scavenge. Even their vocalizations, such as clucking and alarm calls, show a level of complexity that scientists believe may have existed in dinosaur communication as well.

Conclusion

The American Pet Products Association estimates that 11 million US households keep chickens. As you can see from these facts, chickens are truly remarkable animals that offer more than meets the eye. Each chicken has their personality and individuality. They provide companionship, entertainment, and valuable insights into our natural world. Chickens, with their unique personalities, social structures, and fascinating behaviors, make them engaging pets and livestock.

Whether you’re considering starting with a few hens or expanding your flock, the journey into chicken keeping is both rewarding and educational. As you explore the intriguing facts about chickens, you’ll discover that they are not only fun to care for but also enrich our lives in numerous ways. So, whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or a curious newcomer, embracing the world of chickens can lead to a fulfilling and joyful experience.