#Brahma chicken

[gschellyart]

Behold

[superfluffychickens]

Poor Zeke’s tail molted off, now he’s just a big fluffy loaf!

[tallysgreatestfan]

Chicken with pants (no actually they are called Brahmas and they are the largest chicken breed)

[inkedbantam]

Government assigned chicken sonas:

Reposting again bc I gave them pretty backgrounds bc why not lol

Wheeeeeeee

[proton-wobbler]

Domestic Chicken / Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)

"He’s a dinosaur" (about Brahma Chicken) "My favorite chicken! We had a bunch of them when I was little and they were so smart and funny and fast and a bit territorial with smaller animals but it was so funny" (about Araucana Chicken) "Chickens descended from junglefowl, but they're pretty neat birds also."

I was really wondering when a second chicken was going to be added to the submissions, and was seriously considering having Araucana's showcased on behalf of all chickens. I owned Ameraucana chickens as a kid and they're a 'child' breed of Aracauna.

Aracauna Facts: these chickens often display either "ear muffs" or are rumpless and lay green eggs! Its not often than both muffed and rumpless birds exist, as both traits are caused by 'autosomal dominant lethal alleles'. This is one reason why Ameraucana were bred, as a way to keep the blue-green of the eggs while trying to breed out the lethal genes.

Brahma Facts: the Brahma is a powerhouse of a chicken. Between 1850-1930s, they were known as the top meat chicken in the country. They made great farmhouse birds, as the males remain tender for much longer than other chickens (up to a year, rather than 6-8 months) and the eggs were laid quite large at about 200 a year. They are also fairly cold resistant due to their feather quality and small combs, though their leg feathers can hold mud and moisture and lead to frostbite if their living quarters arent kept dry.

Red Junglefowl Facts: while this is the species that have rise to our domestic chicken, the grey junglefowl, Sri Lankan junglefowl and green junglefowl have also contributed genetic material to the gene pool. Genetic evidence suggests chickens were domesticated between 7,400-8,000 years ago!

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[farmsthetic20]

Baby chicks🐣

[labratscheese]

Welcome to the world, little tater tot. This is the first baby born on the farm, after being hatched by a very determined Mashed Potatoes.

[rayrayshaggymutt-blog]

Raven has a new army of puffballs! First time having chickens. Theyre a flock of very lively and clownish 1 week old light brahma pullets.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Snuggle a Chicken Day

National Snuggle a Chicken Day is celebrated annually on January 8. Evident from the name, this holiday is a day to snuggle chickens and treat them with the same care shown to more popular pets. Interestingly, many homes do keep chickens as pets and when comfortable, chickens enjoy being petted and held by people. These feathery animals were domesticated as far back as 10,000 years ago and have been put to a variety of uses, from cockfighting to making up delicious meals. The day recognizes the abuse that chickens go through and their uniqueness.

History of National Snuggle a Chicken Day

National Snuggle A Chicken Day identifies as a nonprofit organization and the name says it all — a day to snuggle a chicken! Chickens have a long and colorful history in our world. Though they’re now commonly used for food, this wasn’t always the case. It is believed that chickens were domesticated as far back as 7,000 to 10,000 years ago. Initially, they were primarily bred for cockfighting or special ceremonies. Louisiana was the last state of the U.S. to ban cockfighting — as recently as 2008.

It wasn’t until around four B.C. — two B.C. that people began consuming chickens for food. Their eggs also became a primary source of food. Now, there are more chickens than any other bird in all parts of the world. Chickens are also pets, as they are social animals like dogs and cats. Some do enjoy being petted and picked up when they are in the company of people they feel comfortable with. Chickens have also symbolized different things in one civilization after another.

In ancient Egypt, eggs would be hung in temples to ensure a bountiful river flood. In Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian faith, the rooster was portrayed as a spirit that crowed at dawn to signify the cosmic struggle between darkness and light. Even in Christianity, the story of Peter denying Jesus before the cock crowed led Pope Nicholas to decree that a rooster figure should be placed atop churches. This explains why many churches have cockerel-shaped weather vanes on top of them.

National Snuggle a Chicken Day timeline

7,000 — 10,000 Years Ago

The Domestication of Chickens

Chickens are domesticated in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

4 B.C. — 2 B.C.

Chickens are Bred for Consumption

People begin breeding chickens for food consumption.

9th Century

The Decree by Pope Nicholas

Pope Nicholas decrees that churches should put cockerel figures on their roofs.

National Snuggle a Chicken Day FAQs

What does it mean when a chicken follows you?

Chickens can follow you when they are hungry, especially if you are their caretaker.

What Are chickens afraid of?

Chickens are afraid of large predators like owls and hawks.

Where do chickens like to be petted?

On the head, back, neck, or chest.

National Snuggle a Chicken Day Activities

Snuggle a chicken: It’s National Snuggle a Chicken Day! Celebrate by snuggling a feathery chicken.

Buy a chicken: You can also buy and keep a chicken as a pet. They make for peaceful and fairly low-maintenance pets. Plus, they could also supply you with eggs.

Spread the word! A lot of people probably don’t know we’re celebrating this holiday. Spread the word by telling a friend or posting on social media.

5 Fascinating Facts About Chickens

They can spot differencesChickens can distinguish between more than 100 faces of their species.

They have social structuresChickens know who’s boss by forming complex social structures known as ‘pecking orders’ where every chicken knows his or her place on the social ladder.

They have complete sightChickens have a full-color vision.

They sleep like humansThey experience rapid eye movement in sleep, which means they dream just like any human.

There are more chickens than humansThere are currently over 20 billion chickens in the world.

Why We Love National Snuggle a Chicken Day

Chickens are social: Contrary to popular opinion, chickens are social animals. Some enjoy being petted and picked up, like other popular pets.

Chickens are a food source: Chickens are a healthy source of protein when used as food. Both their eggs and meat are healthy food sources.

This holiday opposes animal cruelty: People are often prone to mistreat the animals they own. This holiday is a reminder to treat animals, including chickens, with more care and kindness.

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[superfluffychickens]

What are they whispering about? Are they just being all lovey-dovey or are they plotting something nefarious?

[meandthedaemons]

Happy Mother's Day to my favourite Mom rn.

[inkedbantam]

Yet another government assigned chicken sona for my beloved darling <3 (AlchemicPhoenix on Twitter)

They're a brahma :3

[stardustchicken]

Return of Jax the fishboy and his 2 pet chooks

[farmerstrend]

All About Brahma Chicken; The Giant Poultry Breed

Imagine a chicken that stands tall and proud, exuding an air of magnificence. That’s the Giant Brahma. With males weighing between 5.4-8.2 kg and females ranging from 4.5-6.4 kg, these birds are truly giants among their feathered counterparts. Their sturdy, muscular build is complemented by long, well-feathered legs, a broad chest, and an upright stance. And let’s not forget their magnificent…

[labratscheese]

Mama Mashed Potatoes is the best hatcher on the farm. Way to go, Mashed Potatoes!

[rabbitcruiser]

National Poultry Day

We suspected fowl play when we first discovered March 19 is annual National Poultry Day when we celebrate our national love affair with poultry. We scrambled to figure out how to celebrate poultry without bias because we are biased; chickens rule the roost when it comes to poultry. We are just going to have to wing this one.

History of National Poultry Day

Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in America, with each of us estimated to eat a clucking 101 pounds per year. Chicken has become our favorite protein because it is affordable (should we say “cheep-er”?) readily available, easy to cook, and versatile. But chickens were not always prized for how well they pair with an endless variety of seasonings, flavors, and cooking methods.

The word poultry is derived from the Latin word “pullus” which means “small animal.” Today we use the word poultry to describe domesticated birds kept for meat, eggs, and possibly feathers. But the first fowls intentionally raised by humans are believed to have been kept for their entertainment value, not for their spicy wings. Archeological evidence points to Southeast Asia and China as the first cultures to breed chickens for the sport of cockfighting as early as 10,000 years ago. Artistic depictions of roosters engaged in combat are found throughout the ruins of many ancient cultures.

Until recently the earliest evidence of large-scale chicken-eating was in first century B.C. Europe. But researchers have unearthed what may be evidence of chickens being domesticated for food at least 100 years earlier in an ancient Israeli city. We may never know when or how someone first tasted chicken roasted over a fire, but obviously that first barbequed chicken was not the last.

Outside the fighting rings and amphitheaters of ancient Rome, Greece, China, and Asia, chickens have held status as divinity in human societies for millennia. Chickens have been worshipped in many parts of the world because of their fighting prowess and are still considered to hold magical powers of divination in remote cultures.  

Although some people around the world still engage in cockfighting legally and illegally, the world’s oldest continual sport has been illegal in all fifty of the United States since 2008. That makes us feel good because we think cockfighting is inhumane, plus our fine feathered friend the chicken is now a superstar in the scientific arena. The chicken was the first domesticated animal and first bird to have its genome completely mapped by geneticists in 2004. It turns out that the chicken is the first descendant of dinosaurs. Who knew? We wonder if a cockfight between two prehistoric roostasaurusrex would have been considered fowl play or pure poultry in motion. We are just glad modern chickens are pullus – small animals. 

On National Poultry Day we celebrate chickens and other poultry not just for their culinary value, but for their other lesser-known contribution to mankind as pets. Chickens make wonderful pets, whether common laying hens or exotic heritage breeds that are as colorful as tropical fish and cost as much as $399 for a single day-old chick. Chickens make good mousers, some say better than cats, and will keep your vegetable garden fertilized and insect-free. 

We realize that by winging it, we managed to duck the fact that poultry is more than just chickens. We will give it another crack and fry harder next year to include other fowl in our tribute on National Poultry Day. 

National Poultry Day timeline

1992

More chicken, please!

American chicken consumption surpasses beef for the first time.

1928

Discovery of Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplements increase the winter survival rate of flocks, revolutionizing the chicken meat and egg industries.

1923

Chickens gain industry status

The first confined housing of birds for meat in Delaware and the introduction of cage systems for hens in California became catalysts for poultry farming’s shift from small family enterprise to the industrial age.

1800s

Chickens raised only on family farms

Chicken meat was a delicacy and eggs were considered a luxury until the 1900s because flocks failed to thrive due to poor nutrition and Vitamin D deficiency during winter months due to lack of sunlight.

National Poultry Day FAQs

What is considered poultry?

“Poultry” is generally defined as domesticated birds raised for the production of meat, eggs and can include feathers. The word “poultry” also refers to the flesh of these birds when used as food. Most people think of chicken or turkey when they hear the word poultry, but geese, ducks, squab (young pigeons) pheasant, quail, guinea fowl, and ostrich are also poultry.

What are the personality characteristics of poultry?

All poultry are social animals who enjoy being with other birds and thus should never be kept alone in captivity. They have a clearly defined hierarchy, or pecking order, within their community with strong territorial instincts. Poultry will nest in the same spot every night to go to sleep if given the option.

When is National Poultry Day?

March 19

How to Celebrate National Poultry Day

Try a bird of a different feather: Pheasant, duck, quail, goose, and game hens are all poultry not often found on American dinner plates but popular in other cultures. If these are too exotic for your taste at least treat your palate to a capon. A capon is a rooster that is castrated before sexual maturity. The lack of testosterone and a special diet produces exceptionally tender, juicy, and flavorful meat that is superb compared to regular hens. Capons were considered a luxury and the poultry of choice for holiday feasting among wealthy families during the early nineteenth century. Capons are not easy to find these days, but once you taste this bird, you will never again say anything else “tastes like chicken.”

Roast a Turducken: If you are undecided which poultry to serve for dinner on National Poultry Day, go with a Turducken. Turducken is a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck that is stuffed into a deboned turkey, then roasted for pretty much a full day. The famous Cajun chef Paul Prudhomme trademarked the name Turducken in 1986, although the practice of “engastration” (the cooking term for stuffing one animal with another) dates back to at least the Middle Ages.

Purchase farm-fresh eggs: If you do not have your own backyard flock of laying hens, take a drive outside the city limits to a local co-op or family farm and purchase a dozen farm-fresh eggs. Once you taste the difference between freshly laid eggs and supermarket eggs, you will never want to buy store-bought again.

5 Ways Poultry Feathers Have Been Recycled

Quill pens: Before modern pens were invented, feather quills were trimmed at a slant with a razor and dipped in ink for use as writing instruments.

Fire tinder: Bird feathers are very flammable when dry and can be used as tinder to get a campfire going quickly with just a small spark.

Fishing lures: The decorative plumage of birds has been used by fly fishermen and women for years to tie the perfect lure for landing prized trophy fish like mackerel, bass, and trout.

Goose down bedding: Goose down is soft, fluffy and warm, and has become the most desirable stuffing for extremely comfortable – and expensive – pillows and comforters.

Decorative paper: Since 1993 feathers have been used to make exquisite decorative papers.

Why We Love National Poultry Day

Chickens make great pets: If you are not a meat-eater, the next best thing about chickens is they make surprisingly good pets. Chickens are social creatures that love to strut around to see what the rest of the flock is up to. They enjoy being held and can even be taught a few tricks provided there is a delicious mealworm reward involved. Chickens are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for compared to other domestic pets but need at least two or three other birds around to be well-adjusted. If your community does not discriminate against poultry as pets, and you have room for a spacious coop, laying hens will pay for their upkeep in daily fresh eggs.

For beauty’s sake: Hens take special notice of the rooster with a colorful, nice-looking, healthy comb strutting his stuff around the barnyard. A healthy crown and wattle are indeed very good for the rooster looking to score in the barnyard. A stunning comb and wattle are good for us, too, because chicken combs, especially rooster combs, are an excellent source of Hyaluronic acid, or H/A, a naturally occurring body fluid that lubricates and cushions bone joints and plumps up skin cells. H/A has been used for decades to relieve arthritis joint pain and stimulate healing of athletic injuries. H/A has been injected into the knees of professional and collegiate athletes and racehorses for years as a bio-lubricant that allows bones to move easier. Hyaluronic Acid can also be taken orally as a supplement and is a sought-after ingredient in top-shelf cosmetics and natural skincare products.

Chicken jokes: Chicken jokes are a childhood tradition, a quirky rite of passage discovered sometime between kindergarten and first grade. We are not sure why other poultry have not been singled out as the subject of silly jokes and puns. Maybe chickens do not get their feathers ruffled as easily as other poultry over fowl jokes. We egg-spect it has something to do with a chicken being in just about every pot in America, or at least on the grill or in the oven.

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