Posted September 6, 2011 by Sunny Subramanian
More chickens are raised and killed for food than all other land animals combined. McDonald’s suppliers alone kill hundreds of millions of chickens each year for its U.S. restaurants. But if more people knew that chickens are complex creatures who feel pain and distress, they might think twice before eating another nugget.
Here are 10 surprising facts about chickens:
Chickens can distinguish between more than 100 faces of their own species. Looks like elephants aren’t the only ones who have a great memory.
Chickens know who’s boss—they form complex social structures known as “pecking orders,” and every chicken knows his or her place on the social ladder.
Chickens have full-color vision—no color-blindness here!
Who likes to sunbathe? Apparently everyone—humans, cats, dogs, and chickens too! You can’t blame them, and they don’t even need sunscreen.
Chickens are real sleeping beauties—they experience rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which means they dream just like we do.
Chickens have pain receptors that give them the ability to feel pain and distress. Put yourself in the shoes (or the feathers) of a battery hen—or 452 million of them, which is how many are used for their eggs each year.
Hens defend their young from predators. Looks like calling someone a “chicken” is actually a compliment!
Who needs pepper spray? Chickens have more than 30 types of vocalizations to distinguish between threats.
Chickens are just like human mothers who talk to their babies in the womb—a mother hen begins to teach calls to her chicks before they even hatch.
Last but not least, chickens are adorable—take a look for yourself!
Help us spread the word about how interesting chickens are by sharing with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter. And If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Street Team to find out how to do more for chickens (and for all animals!).
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Hello! My name is Nina, and I am a musician-in-training, and I play 7 instruments. I am a liberal, an LGBT activist, avid reader, composer, singer, and poi spinner. I am vegan, and a strong supporter of animal rights.
Born and raised in Mexico. I love vegan food and animals!
I was born in Canada and love peta2. I table every month and meet new people:older and younger. I love music and play the recorder. I'm a 6 year spelling bee champion. Again I love peta2!
I'm tall, I love sewing, fashion and the environment, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.) Obviously, I love animals! :)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
651 days ago
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Posting these on facebook
651 days ago
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awe! thats surprising but cool that they see in full color!