Feathered Friend Facts
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global chicken populations have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2020, the estimated global chicken population was around 24 billion which includes both commercial and backyard chickens.
Selective breeding and genetic selection have been used to enhance the egg-laying production, and breeding them to pass on those traits. Over generations, this has enabled them to lay more eggs compared to their ancestors.
Wild chickens also known as junglefowl, are the ancestors of domesticated chickens. Although their egg-laying pattern can vary depending on numerous factors, they typically lay 10 - 15 eggs per year. They lay more eggs during the breeding season and have times of egg production and times of rest.
Domesticated chickens also have an egg-pattern that can depend on numerous factors. However, on average most laying hens produce an egg every 24 - 26 hours. Their primary egg-laying period is usually between 6 months and 3 years of age. Once they become 3, they tend to slow down on egg production and may eventually stop.
Hens also slow down in egg production when the days become shorter. It is a common practice to use artificial lighting to replace the hours of lost sunlight and keep egg production going. This disrupts the chicken's natural circadian rhythm, which can affect their overall health and well-being. This can also cause stress because they are not given adequate periods of darkness to rest, sleep, and exhibit natural behaviors.
Hens also slow down / stop laying when they become broody (wanting to be a chicken mama) or molt (lose feathers). This is because all of their energy is going into their body during these process, and they are unable to have enough to also make eggs.
The average lifespan of a chicken is around 5 to 10 years. Due to the egg production decreasing around age 3, most individuals are left with a 'free loader' instead of a profitable animal. Most people rotate their flocks, which leads to unwanted hens.
Laying hens are faced with numerous reproductive issues due to the intensive egg-laying demands placed on them. This leads to a shorter lifespan.
Over the years, global egg production has been steadily increasing. The top egg-producing countries are: China, US, India. The increase in egg production also increases the need for hatcheries to hatch out more chickens. However, how do they hatch out only hens?
They don't.
Individuals look over the chick to determine the sex of the chick and separate male from female. Male chicks from laying egg breeds are typically killed shortly after hatching since they do not lay eggs and are not suitable for meat production. The most common way to kill them is by grinding them alive.
Sometimes a rooster is sexed as a hen, which often causes a backyard farmer to become very annoyed. Some towns in the US have ordinances that do not allow roosters, but often times someone just does not want a rooster or does not know how to safely interact with a rooster.
Roosters are great for many reasons. They can protect a flock, help social dynamics, help care for the flock, and help promote natural behaviors in hens. They are also beautiful, hilarious, and are a great alarm clock. Each rooster mates about 50 times per day, so it is best to have at least 10 hens per rooster to avoid the hens being over mated. If your flock has more than 20 hens, you may be able to introduce two roosters. However, they may still fight over a favorite and if there is an age gap the older rooster may be pushed out by the younger rooster.
Roosters have spurs that come off their legs and can use these are protection against predators. Their growth is similar to a dog nail, and should be trimmed to avoid damage to their legs and other chickens.
Chickens are very social animals and form a complex social hierarchy within their flock. When there is a rooster only flock they establish this as well and can usually live together with no issues.
Chickens enjoy sunbathing and taking dust baths in the dirt. Before considering taking in chickens, it is best to really understand what you are taking in and know you are making a commitment.