Chicken Facts
Chickens are domestic or farm birds. The live span of a chicken is about 10 to 15 years. The male is larger and more brightly colored than the female. This is common feature in birds. The males show off their colorful feathers to attract the females.
A chicken has a comb on the head and two wattles under the neck. The male has a larger comb compared to the female. The male is called a rooster. The female is called a hen while the young are called chicks. The female is usually ready to lay her first eggs when she is around six months old. The picture below is that of a rooster.
The morning call your hear on the farm every morning is actually the rooster crowing “cock-a-doodle-doo”. The female is called a hen and she goes “cluck-cluck”. The young are called chicks and they go “chick-chick”.
What Do Chickens Eat?
Chickens eat worms, insects, seeds, grains, snails, slugs, fruits, vegetables and many other foods. The gizzard which is a part of the stomach contains tiny stones to help grind up the food.
Who Are The Chicken’s Enemies?
Animals like the hawks, bobcats, snakes, skunks, owls, raccoons, foxes and opposums prey on chickens.
Breeds Of Chickens
There are approximatelty 175 varieties of chickens. They are grouped into 12 classes and approximately 60 breeds based on geographical areas :
– Asiatic, American, Continental, English, Mediterranean
See below for some of the different breeds : (Usually raised for their meat and eggs and sometimes as show birds.)
- Bantams. These are miniature chicken breeds. Their eggs are kind of small, just like their size.
- Plymouth Rock. Originated in the United States.
- Marans. They are small breeds preferred for their eggs rather than meat.
- Leghorns. Most popular commercial breed. Usually white in color.
- Rhode Island Red Chicken. This is a very popular breed of chicken.
Watch the video : I’m A Chicken
Your Chicken Need A Home
Chickens need a home to live too. Their home is called a chicken coop. This keeps them warmer in winter and cooler in summer. It will also protect them from the rain. A good chicken coop will allow them to get out and have some space to move around. Not allowing them some freedom to get out and move around can make them unhealthy and sick. They also suffer. This site has step by step instructions to help you build one. Adult help will be required.
Do you know where do chickens come from? Yes, it is from an egg. To find out more, click on the link to find out about the life-cycle of a chicken.
Chicken Resources For Teachers And Fun Stuff For Kids. Click on the links below.
Chicken Worksheets and Other Printables
Chicken Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources
Chicken Songs And Rhymes For Kids
Credits: Photo by Zosia Korcz, Ashes Sitoula on Unsplash