How well do you know Flockies? QUIZ #4
WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT THE CAT GOES ITS OWN WAY?
WHY ARE CHICKENS YELLOW?
Join us for a journey into the mysterious world of chickens, where we will look at one of their most distinctive features – their beautiful golden plumage. Why are chickens yellow? This is a question some people ask themselves, and the answer lies in the fascinating world of genetics and biology.
To begin with, it is worth noting that there are many different breeds and varieties of chickens, each with its own unique plumage colour. However, most of the chickens we usually see on farms and ranches have golden or yellow plumage. The secret to the colour of chicken plumage lies in pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are a group of organic chemical compounds that give various plants, insects and birds their intense colours, including red, orange and yellow. One of the most important carotenoids responsible for the yellow plumage of chickens is beta-carotene, which is present in various food plants such as carrots, pumpkin and spinach.
Chickens absorb beta-carotene through their diet and then accumulate it in their feathers, giving them their characteristic golden or yellow colour. The more beta-carotene the chickens consume, the more intense their plumage colour becomes.
Therefore, when we see chickens with beautiful golden plumage, we can be sure that they are well fed and derive a lot of nutritional value from the various plants in their diet.
However, it is worth remembering that the colour of chickens’ plumage can vary according to breed, variety and environmental conditions. Some chicken breeds have a more intense yellow plumage, whereas others may have a more golden hue. It is also important to provide adequate care and nutrition to the chickens so that their feathers can maintain a healthy and shiny appearance.
Thus, the mystery of the golden plumage of chickens is a fascinating example of how genetics and diet affect the appearance and health of these lovely birds. So next time you look at a chicken with golden plumage, you can appreciate the beauty and health that this bright and sunny colour symbolises.
