Domestic Chicken
Gallus gallus domesticus
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Animalia
Chordata
Aves
Galliformes
Phasianidae
Native to: North America,
South America, Asia
Status: Least Concern
Black Silky Chicken
The population of domestic chickens is estimated that is it
outnumbering humans at a 4:1 ratio.
Appearance & Lifespan
Domestic Chickens can vary in shape, color and size. Males typically are 15-34 inches in
total body length and females are 14-24 inches, depending on the breed of chicken.
Roosters can usually be differentiated from hens by their striking plumage of long
flowing tails and shiny, pointed feathers on their necks and backs which are typically of
brighter, bolder colors than those of females of the same species. Both the adult male
and female have wattles and combs, but in most breeds these are more prominent in
males. A muff or beard is a mutation found in several chicken breeds which causes extra
feathering under the chicken's face, giving the appearance of a beard.
The average life span for a domestic chicken is approximately 7- 8 years but some have
known to live up to the age of 15.
Riverview Park & Zoo
1230 Water Street, Peterborough, ON. K9J 6Z5
Ph. 705.748.9301 Fax: 705.745.6866
Behavior & Reproduction
Chickens live in social groups which usually consist of a dominant rooster and hens with
their offspring. Within their social group there is a distinct dominance hierarchy or
pecking order. In the pecking order, the dominant birds get first access to food, nesting
locations, and roosting spots. The secondary birds wait until the dominant birds leave
the area before they will approach.
They recognize other members of their flock from facial features, have over 20 distinct
vocalizations and are able to determined who is in charge.
Chickens will breed almost year round but activity increases in months with milder
weather. Male and female chickens can begin to reproduce at an early age (roosters as
young as five months, hens slightly later). The males are polygamous, which means
they will mate with as many females as they are able to. A dominant rooster will
often have a group of hens that he will guard and prevent other roosters from mating
with. Roosters perform a mating "dance" where they drag their wing across the ground
as they walk around the hen.
Ecology & Conservation
The chicken’s habitat can be very different depending where it is living. Chicken’s that
are raised to provide eggs and meat for human consumption can be found in a barn
setting where a coupe provides protection from predators such as fox, cats and other
carnivores. In the wild the best place for a chicken is in a cool, dry sandy area with rocks
and vegetation.
Some breeds of chicken are becoming rare as poultry producers show preference for
breeds with high meat and egg production.
Did You Know
1. Estimated that there are twenty four billion chickens on a global scale
2. Male chickens are called Roosters and female chickens are called Hens
3. Alektorophobia is the fear of chickens
Riverview Park & Zoo
1230 Water Street, Peterborough, ON. K9J 6Z5
Ph. 705.748.9301 Fax: 705.745.6866