The Chicken: A Natural History

by Joseph Barber

Overview

A comprehensive, richly illustrated celebration of the natural history of the chicken

Inherently social creatures, chickens are enjoying a renaissance as prized members of many households and small farms. From feathers and flock formation to imprinting and incubating, The Chicken provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to understanding how chickens live, think, and act both alongside people and independently.

Starting with the evolution of chickens nearly 10,000 years ago and their adaptations to life with humans, The Chicken also analyzes the anatomy and behavior of modern domesticated chickens and provides practical tips for helping these amazing birds thrive. Featuring a stunning gallery of breeds with detailed profiles, the book also includes a directory of the most striking examples of chickens that have elevated this species from backyard egg producers to prize-winning poultry.

• Provides an accessible, comprehensive, and richly illustrated look at the chicken
  
• Features a finely illustrated directory of forty popular breeds and their characteristics and care requirements
  
• Covers the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of chickens
  
• Offers insights into the intelligence and distinctive thought processes of chickens
  
• Includes “theory into practice” panels to help chicken keepers better understand their birds
  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691182469
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	07/24/2018
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Joseph Barber is an associate director at the University of Pennsylvania, an adjunct assistant professor at Hunter College of the City University of New York, and coeditor of the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

Table of Contents

Introducing the Chicken 6

Chapter 1 Evolution & Domestication

Origins of the Domestic Chicken 14

The Chicken in History & Culture 16

The Changing Role of the Chicken 18

The Chicken of Tomorrow 20

Chapter 2 Anatomy & Biology

The Skeleton 24

Muscles 26

Heart & Circulation 28

Respiratory System 30

Digestive System 32

Male Reproductive System 34

Female Reproductive System 36

The Immune System 38

The Skin 40

Feathers 42

Wattles & Combs 44

Sensory System 46

Thermoregulation 48

Adaptations for Flight 50

Chapter 3 Behavior

Behavior of the Domestic Chicken 54

Evolution & Domestication 56

Behavioral Differences between the Sexes 60

Feeding & Drinking 62

Resting & Roosting 64

Maintaining Appearances 66

Avoiding Predators 70

Alarm Calls 72

Flock Formation 74

Aggression, Competition, & Alliances 78

Calling & Other Vocalizations 82

The Consequences of Mating 86

Nest Building & Egg Laying 90

Incubation 92

Behavior of Embryos 94

Hatching 96

Parental Behavior 98

Behavior of Chicks 102

Behavioral Role Models 106

Chickens Behaving Badly 108

Chapter 4 Intelligence & Learning

Intelligence & Learning 114

Inside the Brain 116

Lateralization & Vision 118

Imprinting & Learning 122

Cognitive Ability 126

The Effects of Domestication 130

Social Learning 132

Living in a Hierarchy 136

Food & Learning 140

Training 142

Understanding Chicken Preferences 146

Emotion & Welfare 150

Chapter 5 Breeds

Fancy Fowl & the Chicken Frenzy of the Nineteenth Century 156

Dual-Purpose Breeds 158

Game Breeds 164

Laying Breeds 170

Meat Breeds 184

Ornamental Breeds 190

True Bantam 202

The Evolution of Commercial Strains 210

Useful Resources

Breeds List 214

Author Biographies 217

Bibliography 218

Index 220

Acknowledgments 224