Can chickens fly? Here's everything to know about the bird's flight
Scientifically known as Gallus gallus domesticus, chickens are one of the most widespread and common domesticated animals in the world. The global chicken population reached over 33 billion, with nearly half located in Asia, as of 2020.
In the U.S., there are around 85 million backyard chickens, making the bird the third most popular pet in the nation, Psychology Today reports.
While we all know the tale of the chicken who crossed the road, did you know that it could have flown instead? Here's what to know about chickens and flight:
Can chickens fly?
Yes, chickens can fly but not for long distances. Unlike other birds, chickens are not bred to fly. Most domesticated chickens are bred for food, not flight, according to BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Domesticated chickens descend from red junglefowl of southeast Asia. These birds are only capable of short flights and lift-offs from trees.
Coupled with the fact that chickens are primarily bred for consumption, it makes sense chickens don't fly far. Modern breeding of chickens is selective toward "fat thighs and large breast muscles," BBC Wildlife Magazine reports. These traits add extra weight to the bird, making it harder to fly.
The world record for the longest chicken flight is 13 seconds with a distance of over 300 feet.
How long do chickens live?
The lifespan of a chicken varies. The average lifespan of a hen is between six and eight years, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During three to four of those years, hens will produce eggs.
The oldest living chicken is Peanut from Michigan, who was born in 2002 and is around 22 years old, according to Guinness World Records.
What do chickens eat?
Chickens are natural foragers, Purina Mills reports. So, there is a variety of vegetables, herbs and perennials that are part of a chicken's diet. These include:
Lettuce, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, swiss chard, squash, pumpkins and cucumber
Lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme and basil
Daylilies, hostas, daisies, roses, coneflowers and ferns
There are some foods, however, that are off-limits and should be avoided for chickens, such as:
Avocado pits and skins
Undercooked or dried beans
Rhubarb
Moldy, rotten foods and salty foods
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can chickens fly? Everything to know about the bird's flight
