Raising chickens can be a highly rewarding experience, not just because of the steady supply of fresh eggs, but also because you’ll form a bond with these curious and endearing creatures. Chickens are intelligent and complex animals, and you’ll learn many fascinating things about them along the way. From common egg misconceptions to their surprising behaviors and genetics, here are some amazing fun facts about these friendly backyard companions.
Fascinating Facts About Chickens and Eggs
One of the biggest benefits of raising backyard chickens is the eggs. While it’s common knowledge that eggs come from hens, did you know a single hen can produce up to 300 eggs a year? Most hens lay an egg nearly every day, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh eggs.
Eggs are laid at around 105 degrees Fahrenheit and develop at 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a rooster for a hen to lay eggs. Roosters only fertilize eggs, which can still be eaten if collected daily to prevent development into chicks. A hen will lay the same number of eggs regardless of a rooster’s presence.
The color of a chicken’s eggs is influenced by the color of their earlobes. Chickens with red earlobes typically lay brown eggs, while those with white earlobes usually lay white eggs. Some breeds, like Easter Eggers, can lay green or bluish eggs. This variety in egg color makes for a naturally colorful Easter without the need for dyeing.
Chickens and Their Eating Habits
Chickens have diverse eating habits and are actually omnivores, enjoying bugs, toads, mice, and lizards along with their greens and grains. They also appreciate garden and kitchen scraps, but certain foods are toxic to them, including onions, citrus, raw or dried beans, green potato peels, avocados, and many fruit pits.
Many garden plants from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers, have leaves and stems that are dangerous for chickens to eat, though the vegetables themselves are safe.
Interestingly, chickens can’t taste “heat” or “spice,” so they can eat jalapenos, cayenne peppers, and other spicy foods without issue. Feeding chickens red pepper flakes can even increase egg production and improve yolk color. However, they can’t taste sweetness and tend to avoid salty foods.
Chicken Behaviors
Chickens are intelligent and emotionally complex creatures that form strong bonds with their flock. They can remember up to 100 different faces, including humans and other animals, recognizing you and your pets.
Chickens wake with the sunrise due to their sensitivity to light. Roosters crow at dawn to mark the new day. If you want to sleep in, an automatic coop door, like the Run-Chicken door Model T50, can open and close based on light sensors, ensuring your chickens are safe and sound.
Though not necessary for egg production, roosters play a crucial role in protecting the flock from predators and alerting them to food or danger.
Fun Facts About Chicken Genetics
Chickens are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs, particularly the T. Rex, according to genetic studies. Their sounds and behaviors can remind you of tiny dinosaurs, especially when dealing with a broody hen.
Domesticated since at least 2000 B.C., chickens are now more numerous than humans, with around 25 billion worldwide. Despite their abundance, some breeds, like the Holland, Redcap, and Crevecoeur, are critically endangered. Raising these breeds can help preserve their numbers.
Is It Hard to Raise Chickens in Your Backyard?
Contrary to common belief, raising chickens doesn’t require dawn-to-dusk labor. Modern tools and technology make it easier than ever. With a safe coop, access to food, water, and the outdoors, and regular egg collection, you can successfully manage a backyard flock.
Automatic coop doors, ready-built coops with runs, automatic feeders and waterers, and special nesting boxes can simplify chicken care, making it accessible for anyone regardless of space or time constraints.
Conclusion
Raising chickens in your backyard offers more than just fresh eggs; it provides companionship with unique and fascinating creatures. Different breeds have different characteristics and lay various-colored eggs, but all chickens share a common charm that makes them delightful backyard buddies.
Protect your feathered friends and modernize your coop with high-tech solutions from Run-Chicken for maximum security and convenience.