Ideas An homage to chickens, a dinosaur, dinner and backyard pet
Oct 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, vertebrate paleontologist Daniel Field reveals the fascinating link between modern chickens and their dinosaur ancestors, including the discovery of the 66-million-year-old 'wonder chicken' skull. Food historian Emmeline Rood dives into the cultural journey of chickens and their transformation into a dietary staple. Meanwhile, city councillor Judy Partridge argues against urban backyard chickens, citing public health and nuisance concerns. Together, they explore the quirks, contributions, and controversies surrounding these feathered friends.
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Two Chickens On A Zoom Call
- Tom Howell set up a Zoom call with chickens on two continents to see if they'd respond.
- The birds vocalized and tried to communicate, creating a playful “dinosaur video conference.”
A 'Wonder Chicken' From The Dinosaur Era
- Daniel Field's CT scan revealed a 66+ million-year-old bird skull blending chicken and duck features.
- That fossil proves chicken-like birds coexisted with T. rex near the end of the Cretaceous.
Origins And Early Uses Of Chickens
- Chickens likely originated in the Himalayan foothills and spread via human movement.
- Early domestication reasons included cockfighting and ritual dawn-crowing, not initially meat production.
