Chickens

Chickens. . , Chickens have been part of the American diet since the days of the Spanish explorers. Since that time, different breeds have been developed to provide meat and eggs. The American Poultry Association began defining breeds in 1873. Breed standards were set to encourage the production of hearty, productive chickens that could withstand climate and other environmental issues. Chickens back then were typically allowed to range , or wander around a farm's perimeter , searching for bugs and grubs., In modern farming, the standard breeds of chicken were generally set aside in favor of fast-growing hybrids that offered increased production due to the cross-breeding of two species. In recent years, however, even some large-scale poultry producers have reverted back to free range practices. A chicken's diet often includes grains, sees, and special vitamin mixtures designed to meet their required nutrient needs.