The Chicken: A Natural History

Description

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 Cover Copyright Title Contents Introducing the Chicken CHAPTER 1 Evolution & Domestication Origins of the Domestic Chicken The Chicken in History & Culture The Changing Role of the Chicken The Chicken of Tomorrow CHAPTER 2 Anatomy & Biology The Skeleton Muscles Heart & Circulation Respiratory System Digestive System Male Reproductive System Female Reproductive System The Immune System The Skin Feathers Wattles & Combs Sensory System Thermoregulation Adaptations for Flight CHAPTER 3 Behavior Behavior of the Domestic Chicken Evolution & Domestication Behavioral Differences between the Sexes Feeding & Drinking Resting & Roosting Maintaining Appearances Avoiding Predators Alarm Calls Flock Formation Aggression, Competition, & Alliances Calling & Other Vocalizations The Consequences of Mating Nest Building & Egg Laying Incubation Behavior of Embryos Hatching Parental Behavior Behavior of Chicks Behavioral Role Models Chickens Behaving Badly CHAPTER 4 Intelligence & Learning Intelligence & Learning Inside the Brain Lateralization & Vision Imprinting & Learning Cognitive Ability The Effects of Domestication Social Learning Living in a Hierarchy Food & Learning Training Understanding Chicken Preferences Emotion & Welfare CHAPTER 5 Breeds Fancy Fowl & the Chicken Frenzy of the Nineteenth Century Dual-Purpose Breeds Game Breeds Laying Breeds Meat Breeds Ornamental Breeds True Bantam The Evolution of Commercial Strains Useful Resources Breeds List Author Biographies Bibliography Index Acknowledgments