Chickens are domestic (farm) birds that cannot fly. The adult female chicken is called a hen, the adult male is called a rooster, and the young are called poults. There are many different breeds of chicken that are different sizes and colors. Bantams are miniature chicken breeds. A group of chickens is called a flock. The scientific name of the chicken is Gallus domesticus (genus and species).

 

 

Anatomy: The rooster is larger and more brightly colored than the hen; he also has a larger comb. Roosters make a very loud crowing sound and can be quite aggressive. Hens lay eggs that range in color from white to pale brown and other pale colors.

 

 

 Diet: Chickens have a varied diet. They eat insects, worms, fruit, seeds, acorns, grains, slugs, snails, and many other foods. They have a well-developed gizzard (a part of the stomach that contains tiny stones) that grinds up their food.

 

 

Predators: Many animals eat chickens, include skunks, owls, raccoons, hawks, snakes, opossums, bobcats, and people.

 

Classification of the Chicken

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      Kingdom Animalia (the animals)

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      Phylum Chordata

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      Subphylum Vertebrata (animals with backbones)

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      Class Aves (Birds)

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      Order Galliformes

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      Family Phasianidae

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      Genus Gallus

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      Species - G. domesticus