Fun Facts About Chickens for Kids
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Chickens are fascinating creatures that have been domesticated for over 5,000 years. These birds are traditionally raised for their meat and eggs, but they are also kept for their beauty and personalities. Here are some fun facts about chickens that every kid should know.
1. Chickens Have Excellent Memories
Chickens have excellent memories and can remember other chickens they’ve met before long after the first encounter. They also have a good sense of time and are able to predict events based on past experiences.
2. The Color of the Egg Yolk Depends on the Chicken’s Diet
The color of a chicken’s egg yolk is determined by what the chicken eats. A diet rich in corn or alfalfa will result in a darker yellow yolk, while a diet of wheat or barley will result in a lighter yellow yolk.
3. Chickens Can See in Color
Unlike many other animals, chickens can see in color. They have better color vision than humans and can even see ultraviolet light.
4. Chickens Can Communicate With Each Other
Chickens have their own language and can communicate with each other through more than 30 different vocalizations, including clucking, cackling, and crowing.
5. Chickens Have a Unique Way of Drinking Water
Chickens are unable to swallow water like other animals. Instead, they tilt their head back and use their tongue to draw water into their mouth.
6. Chickens Can Run Faster Than You Think
Chickens may seem slow when they’re leisurely pecking around a farm, but they can actually run up to nine miles an hour!
7. A Group of Chickens Is Called a Flock
A group of chickens is called a flock, and these flocks can consist of up to 200 chickens.
8. Chickens Can Dream
Like humans, chickens can dream while they sleep. Researchers have observed that while chickens dream, they often make clucking noises and move their heads and wings.
9. Chickens Have a Great Sense of Smell
Contrary to popular belief, chickens actually have a great sense of smell. They use their sense of smell to locate food and find their way back to their roost at night.
10. Chickens Are Very Social
Chickens are very social creatures and prefer to be around other chickens. They form close social bonds and even have a social hierarchy within their flock.