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Domestic chicken - origin, breeds & characteristics of the world's most popular pet

Did you know that all 180 known breeds of today's domestic chicken can be traced back to a single wild chicken? The so-called Bankiva chicken, native to the dense jungles of Southeast Asia, is considered the ancestor of our chickens. Domesticated for thousands of years, it found its way to Europe via Egypt - where it quickly became an indispensable livestock and pet. Today, the chicken is one of the world's most popular animals: versatile, easy to care for, nutritious - and quite entertaining to watch.


More than just an egg supplier: chickens as valuable resource carriers


The domestic chicken not only provides eggs, but also tasty meat and even feathers that can be further processed. In many cultures, it is therefore impossible to imagine cooking and farming without chickens. Its simple husbandry and comparatively small space requirements also make it particularly attractive for hobby farmers.

Characteristics & behavior of domestic chickens

The family of domestic chickens


  • Hen: female chicken
  • Cock (or rooster): male chicken
  • Chick: young
  • Cluck: Hen with offspring


Communication: Hens cluck, roosters crow - the famous "cock-a-doodle-doo" is used, among other things, to mark territory and communicate within the group.

Food: Chickens are omnivores with a preference for grains, insects, grasses and kitchen scraps.

Breeds and use: Meat breeds, laying breeds & broilers

Domestic chickens are divided into different categories depending on their intended use:


  • Leg breeds: specialized for high egg production - e.g. the Brahma hen
  • Meat breeds: bred for particularly high meat production - e.g. the impressive Brahma chicken
  • Brahma chickens: Dual-purpose for eggs & meat - popular with hobby farmers


Some breeds are particularly small and manageable as bantam chickens, while hybrid chickens, as used in industrial farming, are bred for rapid growth and high laying performance - they can weigh up to 10 kg.


Fascinating diversity of the chicken world

Whether as a supplier of fresh eggs, a sustainable source of meat or a lively garden animal - the domestic chicken delights people all over the world. No wonder it is the most popular pet in the world.