Brevard Zoo has introduced its flock of five chickens that live in the Barnyard area of the Paws On loop. The chickens are trained to be Animal Ambassadors, participating in various educational programs and even going onto the stage. The chickens have a hierarchy, with Tiggy as the leader and Boots second in command. Jemima is the most impatient, Pudding is the most timid, and CJ prefers to remain alone. The chickens get along with the goats and tortoise but are still getting to know the two new bloodhound puppies. The chickens receive the chicken feed, fresh peas, corn, mealworms, chicken scratches, hard-boiled eggs, crickets, or super worms for enrichment. Eggs laid by chickens were given to other animals at the Zoo.
Meet the Animals: Chickens – Brevard Zoo
Chickens are the most populous bird species, with over 19 billion chickens. They’re considered the backbone of the agriculture industry and an essential part of many rural communities. At the Brevard Zoo, chickens are not only raised for their eggs and meat. Still, they are also used as an educational tool to teach visitors about sustainable farming practices and the importance of animal husbandry.
Housing
At the Zoo, chickens are housed in spacious coops with ample room for roaming, scratching, and perching. Visitors can view the chickens outside the partition or through the coop windows. The cells are designed to protect from predators and inclement weather.
Breeds of Chickens
The Brevard Zoo has a variety of chicken breeds, including Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Black Austrolorps. Each species has unique characteristics, such as feather color, egg size, and temperament.
Feeding
Chickens at the Zoo are fed a scientifically formulated grain-based diet that provides all the required nutrients. Visitors can purchase lettuce greens at the Zoo’s Farm Market to feed the chickens.
Egg Production
The Zoo’s chickens lay around 200 eggs per year, with each egg weighing approximately 50 grams. Eggs are collected daily and sold in the Zoo’s Farm Market.
Egg Hatching
The Zoo also has an egg incubator that’s used to hatch eggs. Visitors can view the hatching process through a window and watch as the chicks break out of their shells.
Uses of Chickens
Chickens are used for several purposes at the Brevard Zoo. They’re part of the Zoo’s educational outreach program, where they’re used to teach students about sustainable farming practices and animal husbandry. Chickens are also used in the Zoo’s restaurant, where their eggs and meat are used to prepare dishes for visitors.
Conclusion
Chickens are essential to the Brevard Zoo’s mission to educate visitors about sustainable farming practices and the importance of animal husbandry. Visitors can view the chickens, feed them, and learn more about these fascinating birds. If you’re visiting the Zoo, don’t forget to stop by the chicken coop and meet these lively birds in person.
