Scientifically known as Gallus gallus domesticus, chickens are one of the most widespread and common domesticated animals in the world. The global chicken population reached over 33 billion, with nearly half located in Asia, as of 2020.
In the U. S. Psychology Today says that there are about 85 million chickens in people’s yards, making them the third most popular pet in the country.
While we all know the tale of the chicken who crossed the road, did you know that it could have flown instead? Heres what to know about chickens and flight:
Yes, chickens can fly but not for long distances. Unlike other birds, chickens are not bred to fly. Most domesticated chickens are bred for food, not flight, according to BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Domesticated chickens descend from red junglefowl of southeast Asia. These birds are only capable of short flights and lift-offs from trees.
Coupled with the fact that chickens are primarily bred for consumption, it makes sense chickens dont fly far. Modern breeding of chickens is selective toward “fat thighs and large breast muscles,” BBC Wildlife Magazine reports. These traits add extra weight to the bird, making it harder to fly.
The world record for the longest chicken flight is 13 seconds with a distance of over 300 feet.
Chickens may seem like quintessential land animals, but you’ve probably seen them flutter up to a roost or fence at some point and wondered – just how long can chickens stay airborne? As a long-time chicken owner myself, this was a question I was eager to get to the bottom of. The answers reveal some fascinating truths about chicken anatomy, evolution, and traits that influence flying ability. After extensive research from authoritative sources, here’s what I discovered.
A Chicken’s Flying Abilities Are Limited but Practical
The most important fact is that yes, chickens absolutely can fly, just not in the powerful, sustained way we associate with migratory birds. On average, chickens can only fly for short bursts of 10-40 yards. The longest recorded flight for a chicken clocked in at just 13 seconds and 300 feet.
Still, while limited, this kind of flight serves valuable purposes for chickens. It allows them to escape danger quickly, reach roosting spots, and sometimes evade predators. For domestic chickens, it helps them navigate their environment efficiently even without full flying prowess. Their natural ability hasn’t been completely bred out of them.
Breed and Size Matter
Just like dog breeds have different traits, chicken breeds show significant variation in flying ability. Smaller, leaner breeds like Leghorns and bantams can fly farther than 15 yards easily. Silkie chickens are also adept fliers. Larger fowl like Orpingtons or Brahmas may only manage to fly 5-10 yards.
The size and weight of an individual chicken also impacts flying time. You likely won’t see an 8 lb hen taking graceful flights across the barnyard. But a 2-4 lb bird can flutter 25 yards without trouble.
Why Did Chickens Evolve This Way?
The jungle fowl chickens descend from could actually fly quite well to escape predators. But over thousands of years, humans intentionally bred chickens to grow big and muscular for meat or egg production.
Their bodies are no longer streamlined for extended flights. Today’s chickens are heavier, have bigger breasts, and shorter wingspans than their wild ancestors. Even so, their basic instincts stay with them, even in domestic breeds.
Typical Height and Distance
On average, a determined chicken can reach 6-10 feet off the ground, especially if launching from an elevated perch. Some have been recorded at heights over 12 feet. But anything higher than 15 feet is unusual.
It’s possible for most chickens to fly 40 yards horizontally before they have to land. Some smaller breeds can run up to 50 yards if they really want to. But sustained long-distance flight is beyond their physical capabilities.
Training Chickens to Fly Better
While full-on flight training isn’t realistic for chickens, some basic exercises can help encourage short lift-offs and fluttering:
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Start young and work with a naturally active breed like Polish, Leghorns or bantams.
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Use treats and positive reinforcement to motivate take-offs.
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Build ramps or perches at varying heights for easy launching points
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Provide enough outdoor space for short practice flights,
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Focus on very short jumps between perches to build strength and confidence.
With time and patience, even bulky chickens can get airborne for a few seconds!
Why Chickens Mostly Stay Grounded
The truth is that chickens evolved from ground birds through both natural selection and being kept as pets. Things about them, like their strong legs and need to scratch, make them better suited to living on land.
They retain just enough wing power for the occasional hop or flap, getting them through daily life without true long-distance flight. Watching a chicken’s comical short flights is a treat, but don’t expect aerial acrobatics. For the most part, they’re happiest with their feet on the ground.
Final Takeaways
What do chickens eat?
Chickens are natural foragers, Purina Mills reports. So, there is a variety of vegetables, herbs and perennials that are part of a chickens diet. These include:
- lettuce, carrots, kale, swiss chard, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and beets
- Lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, cilantro, thyme and basil
- Daylilies, hostas, daisies, roses, coneflowers and ferns
There are some foods, however, that are off-limits and should be avoided for chickens, such as:
- Avocado pits and skins
- Undercooked or dried beans
- Rhubarb
- Moldy, rotten foods and salty foods
How long do chickens live?
The lifespan of a chicken varies. The average lifespan of a hen is between six and eight years, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During three to four of those years, hens will produce eggs.
The oldest living chicken is Peanut from Michigan, who was born in 2002 and is around 22 years old, according to Guinness World Records.
Feathers to Flight: Do Chickens Have the Power to Soar?
FAQ
Can baby chickens fly?
Baby chickens, or chicks, can’t really fly. Their tiny wings grow flight feathers between 5-10 weeks old. Before then, they might hop and flutter awkwardly, like they’re testing training wheels on a bike, but no real flight. Do wild chickens fly? Yes, wild chickens can fly.
How far do chickens fly?
A chicken will generally only fly to a point it can see clearly like a branch or the top of a fence post. They also tend to fly up to a perch and then fly down rather than doing the whole thing in one go. Some Chicken Flying Facts: The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds and the furthest recorded distance was 301. 5 feet.
How fast do chickens fly?
A chicken flew for 13 seconds, which was the longest flight ever recorded, and 301 miles, which was the farthest. 5 feet. Chickens are agile can run at 9 to 10 mph. Below: This chicken flew happily on to her coop roof. As you know chicks grow in their primary flight feathers somewhere after 3 weeks depending on the breed.
How long can a chicken fly off the ground?
Some breeds can barely clear a foot off the ground for a second or so. Others can fly for hundreds of feet. So if escaping chicken escapades are a concern for you, the breed you choose is important. There are also things you can do to discourage flight, which we’ll talk about in just a bit.
How long does it take a baby chicken to fly?
As you probably know chicks’ grow in their flight feathers somewhere between 5-10 weeks. We all smile at the ‘ proto flights’ of baby chicks as they try out their little wings – some flights end in near disaster, but it’s all part of their learning process for later in life. Most chickens can fly short distances to roost.
What age do chickens fly?
They were typically kept in vineyards and orchards where they could sleep on branches. How old do chickens have to be to fly? They can flap their wings as early as a few days old, and around 3 weeks old, chicks start to get wing feathers.
What is the longest flight of a chicken?
The longest recorded flight of a chicken lasted for 13 seconds. This flight also covered a distance of 301. 5 feet.
What is the 90/10 rule for chickens?
The 90% rule for chickens is a feeding guideline that says 90% of a chicken’s daily food should be complete feed, and the other 10% can be treats.
Can chickens fly for a long time?
Chickens can only maintain flight for short distances, usually not much more than 30-40 yards. The only reasons they usually fly are to escape a predator or even pecking order disputes. A dominant hen may use her ability to fly as a way to maintain her status, often claiming the highest roosting spots.
How long can a chicken stay in the air?
Maximum Time Chicken Can Sit Out
Cooked chicken can be left out for 2 hours at the most unless it’s kept warm—above 140°F. Any cooked chicken left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should probably be thrown out. This includes rotisserie chicken.