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Origin and History
Chickens came originally from Thailand, in South-East Asia. They were first domesticated there, about 7000 BC. By about 5000 BC, domesticated chickens had spread as far as China, and a little later to India. It is probably from India that domesticated chickens came to West Asia, and from there to the Mediterranean, Africa, and Europe. There were chickens in Egypt by 2500 BC.
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Description
Physical
Chickens come in many different colors and approximately 350 breeds. The chicken has two legs and two wings. Domestic chickens have essentially lost the ability to fly. Heavy breeds used for meat production cannot do more than flap their wings and jump to a little higher level or move more rapidly along the ground. The lighter-bodied birds can fly short distances, and some can fly over relatively high fences. The feet and shank portions of the legs have scales. Young males are cockerels, and become roosters, or cocks, at 1 year of age. Young females are pullets, and at 1 year of age they're called hens.
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