Are Chickens Mammals?

Are Chickens Mammals
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Written by Rebecca Bales

Updated: April 3, 2025

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Chickens are not mammals. They are birds. They have feathers as opposed to hair or fur, and they have wings, even though they don’t fly very well. They lack the teeth that most mammals have and they exclusively lay eggs, rather than giving birth to live young. Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) belong to the order Galliformes, which includes chickens, turkeys, and quail. So, why would anyone think that a chicken is a mammal?

are chicken mammals

Farm cock. Fighting cock, gamecock village scene

Why Would People Think Chickens Are Mammals?

People may think of chickens as mammals because they are often found on farms with other livestock such as cows, horses, pigs, and sheep, which are all mammals. Some people eat the meat of chickens, which they might lump in with beef and pork, byproducts of mammals. Chickens are warm-blooded creatures that breathe air, possess vertebrae, and have some other mammal qualities.


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About the Author

Rebecca Bales

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.

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