Chicken

The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a domesticated bird, derived from the red junglefowl of Southeast Asia around 8,000 years ago. With a global population of 26.5 billion as of 2023, chickens are primarily raised for meat and eggs, producing over 50 billion birds annually. Hens can lay more than 300 eggs per year.

Chickens are round, short-winged birds that are active during the day. While wild junglefowl can fly, domesticated chickens are generally too heavy for sustained flight. Size and coloration vary by breed. Adult chickens have a comb on their heads and wattles under their beaks, more prominent in males.

As omnivores, chickens forage for seeds and insects and can live 5-10 years, with the oldest known chicken living for 16 years. They are social animals that form flocks and establish a pecking order. Males crow to assert territory, while hens use clucks to communicate, especially after laying eggs or to call their chicks. Chickens also have specific warning calls for predators.

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