What is the origin of chickens?

Chickens were first domesticated over 8,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. They originated as a junglefowl species, one of several pheasant-like pheasants that once thrived throughout the world. People initially kept these birds as decorations and for their eggs. Over time, a few of these species were carefully curated for their greater size, increased egg-laying, and meat quality.

From these early populations, distinct lineages of chickens began to emerge, such as the Indian gamefowl, the Malay, the Shamo, and the Cornish. These foundational breeds later went through generations of cross-breeding and selective breeding, giving rise to the wide range of chicken breeds seen today throughout the world.