I’ll bet you ARE being teased somewhat, but most folk don't realize exactly what birds actually are, including chickens. Every single bird species on the planet today, from the songbirds to the hawks and the migratory ones are the only surviving lineage of the dinosaurs; taxonomically they are in the same suborder as the velociraptors and T Rex. They aren't simply related to the dinosaurs; they ARE the dinosaurs! And chickens and other birds are not stupid animals; we humans have a penchant for assuming that we are the only animals who can adeptly ‘think’ and ‘reason’...and that is sheer ignorance. From the first week that I had my little hen, I have watched her cognition and abilities. All I would have to do is tap on my forearm and say,”Come on!” For her to literally fly to my arm and perch! Of course, that was after she knew that she was safe and I wouldn't hurt her. I have always known of chicken’s taxonomic classification, and I had a sense of pure awe when studying the dinosaurs as a child. When I look at her, I see a direct link to life from our planet’s past...and you can also see the wildness in their eyes and the way they move. And recent studies in bird cognition have only enhanced their status as intelligent and aware beings. Who would have ever believed that I would end up having a bird as a pet! I have a question; have you and your family been around chickens very long? When a chicken gets sick, is it easy to tell they are sick? I know people don't take (usually) take production food animals to a vet...what do you do if they get sick? Are there any resources that would tell me what to do and where to get any items to treat common illnesses that a bird might get? No one is sick right now, but I just want to be ready...
