Chicken Species: A Diverse Global Flock

Chickens are the most widely domesticated fowl in the world, and as a result, there are hundreds of different breeds in existence, with a wide range of uses and characteristics. While the exact number of chicken breeds is unknown, estimates range from several hundred to over 500. Chickens are believed to have descended from the red junglefowl, with domestic chickens originating from a single domestication event of this species in southwestern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar. Over time, these chickens spread across Southeast and South Asia, interbreeding with local wild species of junglefowl to create the diverse range of breeds we see today.

There are hundreds of chicken breeds worldwide

Chickens are the most widely domesticated fowl in the world, and as a result, there are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. While the exact number is unknown, estimates range from hundreds to over 500 "fancy breeds". The American Poultry Association (APA) recognizes 53 large chicken breeds, with additional bantam varieties.

Chicken breeds have been influenced by various factors, including geographical isolation, selection for desired characteristics, and the hobby of poultry fancy—the breeding and competitive exhibition of poultry. Each chicken breed is known for a primary use, such as egg production or meat quality. Some dual-purpose breeds are versatile and good at producing both meat and eggs.

The history of chicken breeds is fascinating, with domestication originating from red junglefowl in southwestern China, northern Thailand, and Myanmar. Over time, these chickens spread and interbred with local wild species, resulting in genetically and geographically distinct groups. One notable breed is the Bresse chicken from France, renowned for its superior taste and strict quality standards enforced by the French government.

Chicken breeds also vary in size, with large breeds being the standard image that comes to mind when thinking about chickens. However, there are also smaller breeds like the Serama, which is the smallest breed in the world, with roosters and hens weighing only half a pound to one pound. The bantam breed, originating from Indonesia, is another smaller variety and the ancestor of all "bantam" breeds.

The diversity of chicken breeds worldwide showcases the adaptability and versatility of these birds, making them a popular choice for farmers, homesteaders, and even those who keep them as ornamental pets. With new breeds continually being developed and recognized, the number of chicken breeds is ever-evolving, ensuring their place as a significant species in the world of poultry.

Chickens are the most widely domesticated fowl

Over time, geographical isolation and selective breeding for desired characteristics led to the development of various chicken breeds. Today, there are large breeds, dual-purpose breeds, bantam breeds, and ornamental breeds, each serving a different primary use. Some common large breeds include the Cornish, or Indian Game, which is primarily used for meat production, and the Sussex, which is excellent for both meat and eggs.

Dual-purpose breeds, often referred to as "BBQ Special," are prized for their versatility in both egg and meat production. The Araucana, native to Chile, is another example of a dual-purpose breed. Bantam breeds, originating from Indonesia, are known for their small size, with roosters and hens weighing only half a pound to one pound. Ornamental breeds, or "fancy breeds," are kept for their unique appearances and are often exhibited in poultry shows.

The American Poultry Association (APA) recognizes 53 large chicken breeds, with additional bantam varieties, and works to uphold the integrity of each breed through established standards. While the exact number of chicken breeds in the world is unknown, estimates range from hundreds to over 500. The Bresse chicken, native to France, is renowned for its taste and is considered the best-tasting chicken globally due to its strict quality standards.

Chicken breeds are distinguished by their primary use

Egg-Laying Breeds

Many chicken breeds are selected primarily for their egg-producing abilities. These are usually lightweight birds whose hens do not go broody often. One such breed is the Welsummer, a Dutch breed known for laying large, dark terracotta-brown eggs. Rhode Island Reds, a hardy dual-purpose breed, are also excellent egg producers, laying up to 300 brown eggs per year.

Meat Breeds

Some chicken breeds are raised mainly for meat production. The Cornish, also known as Indian Game, is one such breed. However, generalist breeds used in barnyards worldwide are adaptable utility birds good at producing both meat and eggs, known as dual-purpose breeds.

Ornamental Breeds

Ornamental chicken breeds are kept for their aesthetic appeal and are often exhibited in poultry shows. The bantam breed, originating from Indonesia, is one of the oldest ornamental breeds and is the ancestor of all "bantam" breeds. The Bielefelder, a modern German breed, is another example of an ornamental breed, known for its complex cuckoo red partridge feather pattern.

Dual-Purpose Breeds

Dual-purpose breeds are valued for both their meat and egg-producing abilities. The Rhode Island Red is a classic example of a dual-purpose breed, known for its hardiness and efficient egg production. The Bielefelder is also considered a dual-purpose breed, with a large frame that holds plenty of meat.

Chickens are descended from red junglefowl

Chickens are one of the most ubiquitous domesticated animals on the planet, with an estimated 80 billion chickens in the world today. They are primarily descended from the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), a tropical bird in the pheasant family. Red junglefowl are found across Southeast and parts of South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, southern China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The red junglefowl was first domesticated by humans around 8,000 years ago, with some estimates placing this event even further back in time, between 8,000 and 11,000 years ago. This domestication event is believed to have occurred in Thailand or nearby peninsular Southeast Asia, where early humans cultivated rice within the range of the wild red junglefowl. The availability of rice may have been a crucial factor in luring these birds into domestication.

Over time, the domesticated chicken spread across Southeast and South Asia, interbreeding with local wild species of junglefowl, leading to the formation of genetically and geographically distinct groups. Today, the descendants of these early domesticated chickens can be found throughout the world.

Red junglefowl and chickens differ behaviourally, with the former being naturally shy of humans compared to the tamer domesticated subspecies. Male red junglefowl are larger than females, with bright decorative feathers, a long tail, and golden hackle feathers on the neck and back. The female's plumage, on the other hand, is cryptic and adapted for camouflage. The female also takes sole responsibility for caring for the eggs and chicks.

While red junglefowl are the primary ancestors of chickens, other species of junglefowl, including grey junglefowl (G. sonneratii), Sri Lankan junglefowl (G. lafayettii), and Javanese green junglefowl (G. varius), have also contributed genetic material to the modern chicken gene pool.

Chicken breeds are recognised by the APA and other organisations

Chickens, scientifically known as *Gallus gallus*, have been domesticated for thousands of years. While the exact number of chicken breeds in existence is unknown, estimates place the number in the hundreds. The variety of breeds is a result of geographical isolation and selection for desired characteristics, which created regional types with distinct physical and behavioural traits.

Chicken breeds are recognised by various organisations, including the American Poultry Association (APA) and the British Poultry Standards. The APA maintains the American Standard of Perfection, which classifies chicken breeds into several categories based on size, type, place of origin, and physical characteristics. Standard-sized breeds are grouped by type or origin, while bantam breeds are classified by type or physical traits. The large breeds are further divided into six classes: American, Asiatic, Continental, English, Mediterranean, and All Other Standard Breeds.

The British Poultry Standards recognise 93 pure chicken breeds, classified by size, feathering, origin, and rarity. The first poultry standard was published in 1865 and only included a few breeds, but today, the British Poultry Standards encompass a much wider range of chicken breeds.

In addition to these organisations, poultry fanciers and small-scale farmers have played a significant role in shaping chicken breeds. The breeding and competitive exhibition of poultry as a hobby, known as "poultry fancy," has influenced chicken breeds since the 19th century. Many breeds have been kept for ornamental purposes, and some have been shifted from their original function to become exhibition fowl.

While the APA and British Poultry Standards are well-established organisations, it is important to note that they may not recognise all chicken breeds prevalent in other parts of the world, especially those that have not gained popularity in the United States or Britain.

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