A common icon for farm life, it would be unusual to meet someone who doesn’t know what a chicken is. We’ve been taught a lot about chickens through pop culture, school, and old wives tales. But how much of that information relayed to our younger selves is accurate? We’ve discussed before the myths surrounding eggs, so now we’re here to bust those regarding chickens.
Hens Need Roosters to Lay Eggs
Considering we have no roosters at our farm, it is incorrect to assume that hens can only lay eggs with the assistance of male chickens. As long as hens are healthy, they will lay eggs as nature intends. Factors such as access to light, a safe environment, and temperature can affect whether hens will lay eggs, but the presence of roosters is not one.
Chickens are given steroids and hormones
While some egg cartons found in grocery stores say “hormone-free” on them, the truth is that all commercially produced eggs in the United States are hormone and steroid free. In fact, since the 1950s, hormone and steroid use in chickens has been banned by the FDA. However, hormone and steroid free do not include antibiotic-free. Whether the use of antibiotics in feed and water is present depends on the farm. On our farm, our hens are antibiotic, hormone, and chemical-free.
Chickens are Stupid
Contrary to how they have been portrayed in pop culture, chickens are actually more intelligent than most people would guess. In fact, a study conducted in 2017 suggests that chickens are more complex than the simple-minded bird image they have. According to the study, chickens have the ability to count basic numbers, have some sense of self-control when it comes to rewards, and have a complex communication system amongst each other. Known as the pecking order, chicken flocks have a social hierarchy of their own. The order essentially determines which chickens have first access to food, water, roosting spots, and more. Luckily, with flocks that are born and raised together, the order is established early on and allows chickens to live in harmony. The chicken at the top of the order, usually the one considered the healthiest and strongest, is expected to protect and usher the flock to safety if any danger is present.
Chickens are Vegetarians
Far from it, actually. Chickens are considered omnivores as they will eat both vegetation and meat. In fact, chickens will devour most things if they act fast, such as small living animals or worms. If an unfortunate mouse wanders into a flock, it better run fast to avoid capture by the chickens! For those who own backyard chickens, they know to keep them away from gardens, as they will eat and ruin whatever vegetation is planted. As for our hens, we make sure to keep them well fed and stick strictly to a diet of only our feed in order to maintain the fresh taste you know as Farmer Boy Eggs.