Facts about chickens can be fun to learn and informative, too. From personality assessments and exceptional egg facts to famous chicken breeds, here are twenty-five facts about chickens that you may not know.
Breeds That Failed
One of the most interesting facts about chickens is that several breeds that are popular today failed before they became popular.
#1 When the White Leghorn first came to America in the mid-1800s, the breed did not gain popularity and soon faced extinction. It wasn’t until the breed was imported the second time in the 1950s that the breed gained popularity.
Today Leghorns are one of the most popular breeds for backyard flocks and factory farms.
#2 The Plymouth Rock first appeared in the show ring in 1849, before disappearing for twenty years. In 1869 they were bred again, where they became increasingly popular. Plymouth Rocks were the most commonly kept chickens until the start of WWII. After the war, Plymouth Rocks’ popularity took a dive with the development of broiler hybrids.
These days, Plymouth Rocks are one of the most commonly kept chicken breeds in backyard flocks for eggs and pets.
Famous Chicken Breeds
#3 Rhode Island Red chickens are the most popular chicken breed in the world. Not only is this breed the most famous, but it is also the most popular breed kept at petting zoos due to its friendly and confident disposition.
#4 Black Australorps are so popular in their native country that the breed has actually been named the “national chicken” of Australia.
#5 It’s hard to have fun facts about chickens and not include the two breeds that are named State Birds. Delaware announced their state bird as the Blue Hen of Delaware in 1939. Fifteen years later, in 1954, Rhode Island became the second state when they announced the Rhode Island Red as their state bird.
Full of Personality
Some of the most interesting facts about chickens are none other than facts about different breeds’ personalities. Whether quirky or intelligent, these breeds have delightful temperaments for both the novice and veteran chicken-keeper.
#6 Delaware hens are known for their fun and quirky personality, but better watch out! These hens are notorious for becoming grumpy when they don’t get their own way.
#7 Pet chickens are increasing in popularity as more backyard flock owners are realizing that their flocks are just as affectionate as a dog. When selecting a breed for a pet, look for gentle breeds such as Silkies, Orpingtons, Golden Comets, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Speckled Sussex.
#8 Speckled Sussex hens are highly intelligent and can even be trained to do tricks on command. With their fun, people-loving personalities and never-ending energy, these delightful hens make wonderful, interactive family pets.
Australorp Trivia
The Black Australorp is one of the most popular breeds kept in backyard flocks. Check out these facts about chickens to learn more about this breed.
#9 While many chickens are outstanding egg layers, a Black Australorp hen set a record when she laid three hundred and sixty-four eggs in three hundred and sixty-five days.
#10 Black Australorps were created in Australia from the Black Orpington. Australian breeders crossed the Orpingtons with Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Langshans to create a chicken with higher egg production. The new breed was originally named the “Australian Black Orpington,” but later was changed to Black Australorp. With the “orp” added for the original breed.
Instant Success
While some breeds failed immediately after being developed, others had immediate success.
#11 Orpingtons gained immediate popularity when they first appeared at a show at the Crystal Palace Poultry Show in England. The breed went on to win the grand prize cup at their first showing!
#12 Golden Comet chickens became popular after being developed in the 1950s. With their high egg production, large brown eggs, and friendly personalities, it’s easy to see how the Comet has continued to be popular.
All Chickens Big and Small
Chickens come in many different sizes, with the average breed weighing in between five and eight pounds. But these three facts about chickens feature the smallest, largest, and tallest chicken breeds.
#13 Seramas are the world’s smallest chicken breed. Hens of this tiny breed can weigh as little as half a pound, while the roosters weigh in at about one pound. On average, Serama chickens stand about six to ten inches tall.
#14 Jersey Giants are the world’s largest chicken breed, with hens weighing about ten pounds and roosters averaging thirteen to fifteen pounds. When castrated (also known as capons), roosters tip the scales at eighteen to twenty pounds.
#15 One of the most interesting facts about chickens is the world’s tallest chicken breed, the Malay. Malay chickens stand an average of three feet tall. (About six inches taller than the average picnic table.)
Extraordinary Egg Layers
A lot of facts about chickens include their extraordinary egg-laying abilities. Here are a few fun egg-laying breed facts.
#16 Golden Buff chicks (a sex link hybrid bred from Rhode Island Red roosters and White Leghorn hens) hatch from white eggs but will grow up to lay brown eggs.
#17 Marans lay the darkest brown eggs of all the brown egg layers.
#18 Penedesenca hens lay black eggs in the beginning of the laying season that slowly fade to chocolate throughout the season.
Ancient Breeds
Looking for some interesting facts about chickens that have stood the test of time, these three breeds have done just that and are still popular today.
#19 Nicknamed the “Pilgrim Chicken,” the Dominque was the first breed developed in America.
#20 The Java is an old American breed and played a role in creating many breeds, including the Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and Jersey Giant.
#21 With records dating back to 55 B.C., Old English Game Fowl are the oldest living breed. Not only is this ancient breed still popular, but it also comes in more color varieties than any other chicken.
Unique Physical Characteristics
#22 Naked Necks (often referred to as Turkens, due to their naked neck resembling their turkey cousins) have only forty to fifty percent of the feathers other chicken breeds have.
#23 Did you know that while most chickens have four toes, some breeds actually have five toes? That’s right! Dorkings, Faverolles, Houdans, Silkies, and Sultans all have five toes.
#24 Sebright roosters lack the long hackles, saddles, and sickle feathers common in most breeds. Instead these roosters look almost identical to the females.
#25 Wyandotte and other rose-combed breeds do not always sport a rose comb. The reason for this is roosters do not consistently carry the gene for rose combs, resulting in offspring sporting single combs.
A Truly One-of-a-Kind Chicken Bonus Fact
No facts about chickens list would be complete without mentioning this exceptional breed.
#26 Sumatras have several characteristics that make them unique compared to all other chicken breeds. From their black crow-like appearance to their extraordinary flying abilities (they have been known to fly across rivers and can fly as far as five miles), these chickens are truly one of a kind.
Facts about chickens are so much fun to learn about. Every day, chicken enthusiasts are learning more about these extraordinary barnyard birds. With their fun personalities, exceptional eggs, and unique physical characteristics, chickens truly are a marvel.
This article about facts about chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.
