Chicken
Gallus gallus domesticus
The domestic chicken is the most numerous and widespread bird on the planet. Descended from junglefowl, the chicken was first domesticated over 10,000 years ago.
There are now hundreds of breeds of chicken, from the tiny Serama Bantum, standing just 15cm tall, to the huge Jersey Giant, standing up to 65cm tall.
Chickens live together as a flock, and establish a strict social order giving rise to the phrase ‘pecking order.’ When the cockerel finds food, he will often call the hens to eat first. Cockerels have been known to starve in their efforts to keep their hens well fed.
Chicken eggs
Hens specifically bred for egg laying can lay up to one egg per day. Eggs vary in colour and size depending on the breed of chicken.
Many animals like to eat eggs as they are rich in fat and nutrients. Unfertilised eggs laid by Wildwood’s chickens are used as a treat for the other animals, and are particularly enjoyed by the badgers and wild boar.
Description
Size: varies with breed
Lifespan: up to 11 years
Weight: varies with breed
Breeding
During the breeding season, hens become ‘broody’ and stop laying eggs to concentrate on incubating. Chicks are fiercely defended by their mother and although she will lead them to food and water, they must feed independently.