Chickens are some of the most misunderstood animals on earth, but they are also some of the most lovable animals. These facts about chickens will prove it.
There are more chickens on the planet than any other land animal and they don't deserve the painful lives they endure in factory farms. Discover these next 11 facts about chickens to learn a little more about them and what you can do about themsupport better chicken welfare.
1. Chickens can recognize up to 100 faces
Chickens don't just recognize other chickens either. These faces include those of humans! Chickens even remember positive or negative experiences with the faces they recognize and pass that information on to the members of their flock.
2. Chicken dream
Just like dogs and cats who can pretend to chase something while they sleep, chickens also have very vivid dreams! Chickens experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but researchers don't yet know what they dream about. We can only imagine!
3. Chickens pass on information
It's not just your grandparents or parents who can show you life's shortcuts, like the best way to cook spinach or the best cleaning methods. Chickens pass on knowledge from generation to generation if they get the chance.
Baby chicks.
4. Chickens whistle for their eggs
One of the funniest facts about chickens you'll ever hear is that chickens whistle at their babies while they're in the eggs, and the chicks chirp back! They also make about 30 different phone calls to communicate with each other, saying everything from "thanks for dinner!" to “there's a predator in the garden!”
5. Chickens are hierarchical
If you've heard the term "pecking order" in your life, it comes from chicken flock structure. These pecking orders are extremely complex social structures, and pack members know exactly where they fit.
6. Chickens use past experiences to make decisions
Just as we learned not to touch a hot stove or why we should use sunscreen, chickens use past experiences to inform their decisions. They will remember when they enjoyed certain foods or what brought danger to their flock and make decisions based on these experiences.
7. Chickens sympathize with their own kind
Chickens are the epitome of empathy. Empathy is one of the most interesting facts about chickens. If a peer is hurt, stressed, or even happy, other girls will not only understand but share these feelings.
Factory farmed chickens.
8. Chickens have good memories
They can solve puzzles by pecking at the pieces with their beaks so their human helpers know which ones go where. Chickens have also been caught on a leash to find treats hidden under the cups.
9. Chickens purr like cats!
When a chicken is happy, sociable and secure, she will close her eyes and purr softly. This is one of the more fun facts about chickens; you'll just have to trust us on this.
10. Chickens suffer greatly on industrial farms
Chickens are the most intensively farmed land animals in the world. With billions (yes with a "b") chickens around the world, they often suffer in cramped, dirty factory farms for the production of eggs and meat. Learn more aboutorganic industryInwhat you can do to improve chicken welfare.
11. Chickens deserve a good life
Chickens are conscious creatures, which means they experience a wide range of emotions and can feel pain. Every chicken on a factory farm has its own personality and wishes, but...Factory farmsdeny everything that comes naturally to these intelligent and sensitive animals. Every chicken deserves a good life where they can raise their babies and engage in other natural behaviors such as foraging, dust bathing and free-roaming.
There's more to chickens than meets the eye, and these 11 interesting facts about chickens prove it. If you support World Animal Protection, you can help usimprove chicken welfare. You can also influence changes in the factory farming industry by:eat less chickenyourself.
