Chickens

Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are type of domesticated bird from the Phasianidae family. They are one of the most common domestic animals, with a population of around 23 billion at any given time. They are reared by humans mainly as a source of food, namely meat and eggs, and occasionally as pets. In the UK, concerns for chicken welfare have pushed farmers, towards free range and organic rearing techniques.

Is it possible to hatch a chick from a supermarket egg?

Asked by: Teresa Henderson, Blackpool
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Chicken, run! Newborn chicks born able to 'recognise and react' to dangers

Scientists say the birds are born with the knowledge to flee from predators rather than learning from experience.
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Six unusual studies on farm animals

Ewe won’t baaa-lieve number 3…
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How long can a chicken survive without its head?

The answer will leave the squeamish running around like headless chickens.
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GM chickens lay eggs rich with cancer-killing proteins

Drugs produced from genetically-modified hen eggs could help bring down the cost of medicine.
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How free-range are free-range chickens?

Not quite a free-range as you might think.
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Can chickens really change gender?

Cocka-doodle-woahhhhhh....
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Does chicken soup cure a cold?

Nothing is better than comfort food when you’re sick, but does it really help?
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Could sleeping with chickens ward off mosquito-borne malaria?

A new study finds that having a live chicken in your room while you sleep could prevent mosquitoes carrying disease from slurping up your blood.
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Do birds age?

Crow's feet might not be a sure sign of avian ageing...
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Does evolution explain whether the chicken or egg came first?

A Darwinian view of life helps untangle this age-old philosophical conundrum.
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