Wheaton in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chicken
Gallus domesticus
| — | Nearly 200 varieties of chickens provide nutritious food for many people. | — |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
1. Chicken Marker
Laying hens produce more than 250 eggs per year.
Eggs are an excellent and inexpensive source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They naturally resist spoilage and can be safely stored for weeks in the refrigerator.
Chickens are bred for egg or meat production.
Birds raised for meat have larger breasts and thighs and grow more quickly than other varieties. More than eight billion chickens are used for food in the U.S. each year.
Why are chicken eggs different colors?
The breed of a hen determines the color of the eggshell, which can be white, brown, yellow, blue, or green. All eggs have similar nutritional value, no matter their color.
Did you know?
Chickens were domesticated from wild Asian junglefowl, a member of the pheasant family, over 5,000 years ago.
Feathers fill our pillows-and diapers.
Every year, billions of pounds of feathers are gathered as a by-product of chicken meat production. Researchers are exploring new uses for these absorbent feathers, including paper, insulation, and filler for disposable diapers.
Fun fact!
An average chicken has about 10,000 feathers.
[Photo caption:]
Chickens aren't completely flightless—they can get airborne enough to make it over a fence or into a tree.
Erected by Cosley
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals.
Location. 41° 52.695′ N, 88° 7.257′ W. Marker is in Wheaton, Illinois, in DuPage County. It can be reached from Gary Avenue south of Jewell Road, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in Cosley Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1356 North Gary Avenue, Wheaton IL 60187, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Guinea Hog (a few steps from this marker); Domestic Rabbits (a few steps from this marker); North American Porcupine (within shouting distance of this marker); North American Bison • Blanding's Turtle • Cheetah (within shouting
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
2. Chicken Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 6, 2026
3. Cosley Zoo entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 59 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 8, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on January 7, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
