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In Asia, varieties of chickens were developed with striking plumage and were kept for ornamental purposes including feather-footed varieties such as the Cochin or Silkies from China and varieties with extremely long tails from Japan. Asian ornamental varieties were imported into the United States and Great Britain in the late 1800s. Poultry fanciers then began keeping these ornamental birds for exhibition, a practice that continues today. From these origins in Asia, distinctive American varieties of chickens were developed. Today, several cities in the United States still allow residents to keep live chickens as pets though the practice is quickly disappearing. Individuals in rural communities commonly keep chickens for both ornamental and practical value. Some communities ban only roosters, allowing the more quiet hens. Many zoos will use chickens to keep the insect population down instead of harmful insecticides. This is done to hopefully reduce the spread of disease. |
