You’ve probably noticed a couple interesting tidbits while raising chickens, and for good reason. These lovable feathered friends have a lot more to them than meets the eye! The truth is, chickens are unique creatures with some very surprising traits. Here are 5 fun facts about chickens!
1. Chickens Are Modern Dinosaurs
Chickens are descendants of a two-legged dinosaur known as a “theropod.” Some commonly known dinosaurs in this family are the T-Rex and Velociraptor. A DNA analysis showed that chickens are actually the closest relative to dinosaurs, even closer than alligators! That explains why their legs look that way…
2. They Can Sleep With One Eye Open
These interesting creatures actually have a sleep phase humans lack! Unihemispheric slow-wave sleep allows chickens to sleep with only one half of their brain. This adaptation allows for them to rest while staying alert to any predators who may approach. Don’t try sneaking up on these guys, they’ll see you even while they’re asleep!
3. They Dream While They Sleep
Just like us, chickens have a REM phase of sleeping which signifies dreams taking place. Even with half of their brain awake, chickens can have sweet dreams. What do chickens dream of? That we are still unsure of…
4. Their Object Permanence Is Off The Charts
Object permanence refers to knowing an object still exists, even when it is not visible. Mother hens display this when they communicate to their baby chicks while they’re still in their unhatched eggs. Chicks as young as two days old have exemplified this understanding, where human babies don’t develop this skill until 6 months old!
5. They Have Telescopic Vision
Don’t let their tiny stature fool you, these eyes can see a lot more than you might think! With nearly 360-degree vision like owls and an ability to see objects extremely far away, chickens can see a wide range of their surroundings. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads, which gives them a huge advantage to spotting predators and keeping out of trouble. Good luck trying to play hide and seek with your flock!
If any or some of these chicken facts surprised you, you’re not alone! The more you know about your flock, the more ways you can enjoy them. They’ve been underestimated for decades, and it’s about time our feathered friends get the respect they deserve for being so awesome!