Chickens are intelligent and fun animals. Learn all about chickens, including their history and the current popularity of raising urban chickens.

When someone asks me to tell them all about chickens, I usually respond with: do you want chicken facts or chicken myths?

Today more than ever people are wanting to know more about chickens. Americans consume more than 10 billion chickens a year, but most of us know very little at all about chickens. 

All domestic chickens can be genetically traced to Gallus Gallus the red jungle fowl (a bird that still runs wild in Southeast Asia). To learn more about the history of chickens go here.

Chickens were domesticated over 8000 years ago and they are the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus-Rex. But, what I find truly fascinating, is how intelligent chickens   are. People are discovering that  raising chickens will not only provide you with fresh healthy eggs and fertilizer but make unique pets.

There is a chicken movement sweeping across this country that hasn't been seen since the 1930's. The economic downturn that most of us are feeling may be a blessing. Many people that I know are tired of the hurry-up lifestyle and want more freedom through frugal living. Knowing about chickens is a small part of this complex life we have created.

If you think it's just us country people raising chickens you would be wrong. The urban chicken movement is on fire.

Many cities, believe it or not, allow people to keep a small  backyard flock and those cities that don't are being pressured to change their laws. The cities and counties that have laws allowing chickens usually restrict roosters. Getting started is really quite easy. However, their is a lot to learn, but that is the fun part.

We have a couple of chicken guides to knowing all about chickens

1. Guide to Baby Chicks

2. A Quick Step Guide to Raising Chickens

These guides will give you the basics to start on the right track and a general idea of what it takes to raise chickens.

Many people, including myself, believe that a spiritual awakening on a massive scale is starting to happen. You may ask what does this have to do with all about chickens and chicken raising and care? Maybe its just a small part, but raising chickens or growing your own garden has a way of teaching you to slow down and appreciate the things that really matter in this life.

The more you know all about chickens the more you realize how much you have been missing. Start with a few birds and give it a fly. Everyone I know loves it and wish they would have done it a long time ago. Oh and don't forget to pick out a good name for your chickens. Check out the video below, not all chickens are this talented, but you never know. You may end up with a superstar.

Other Interesting Chicken Stuff

Dancing chickens and The Joy They Bring to Your Life

Rescue Chickens: A Noble Cause With Risk

Many Large Chickens Fit Into The Heritage Class

Chickens in the garden the good, bad and ugly

Care for chickens Is best done before the first chicken flies the coop

Let’s Talk About Raising Turkeys With Chickens, for Something New and Different

Chicken Help 911 answers to all your chicken questions

Chickens not only look funny, but can do funny things

What is the best way to catch chickens

Feral Chickens vs. Domesticated Chickens

Have you ever thought about keeping chickens as pets

Curious About Caring for Chickens

If You’re Thinking About SHOWING CHICKENS, let’s talk!

Shipping Boxes For Chickens: If you are buying chickens know your shipping options

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard: Great Idea or Big Mistake?

What weather is best for chickens?

Chickens were derived from Jungle Fowl that come from a Tropical climate. Healthy chickens can do very well in cold weather, when nutrition and shelter are good.

Some breeds have been developed specially to do well in certain climates. Chickens are smart, and when weather offers them very hot conditions, they adapt their behavior, resting in the hottest part of the day, being more active in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.

In any weather, hydration, nutrition and shelter are very important for chicken health. I believe that chickens are much like us, they enjoy warm weather, but not extremely hot.

My chickens have always enjoyed getting out in the snow, but prefer to stay in if there are strong winds or heavy rains.

I often get questions about building chicken coops. In order to best help you in this area I took the time to preview a couple coop plan resources.

I encourage you to click here and discover my findings.

If you're looking for a quality set of chicken coop plans then  take a look as I narrow it all down. I know everyone brags about their plans so I wanted to help simplify the process for you.

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