The classic debate of which came first—the chicken or the egg—dates back to the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch. In the first century A.D., he phrased the question as, “Who was born first, the egg or the hen?” This riddle has long symbolized a paradox in cause and effect since a chicken lays an egg, but a chicken hatches from one as well. So, how can either exist without the other?
Though it’s often asked in a rhetorical sense today, modern science has provided an answer. According to experts, including a molecular paleobiologist from Yale University, the egg predates the chicken by hundreds of millions of years. While the exact origins of the egg remain unclear, scientists agree that reptiles and early birds laid eggs long before the chicken species evolved.
Early eggs were likely soft-shelled, much like turtle eggs, before evolving into the hard-shelled versions we know today. At some point in history, the ancestors of the modern chicken laid eggs, and one of those eggs hatched into the first chicken. So, in short, the egg came first—but the first chickens weren’t exactly like the ones we know today, as they continued to evolve over time.
Where Did Chickens Come From?
The modern chicken descends from the red jungle fowl, or Gallus gallus, a bird native to Southeast Asia. Charles Darwin first hypothesized this connection, and DNA evidence has since confirmed it. Domesticated chickens share so many traits with the red jungle fowl that they fall under the same scientific classification.
Male red jungle fowl resemble some modern roosters, with their vibrant plumage, red wattles, and spurs. Females also share behavioral similarities with domesticated hens, such as clucking and brooding over their eggs. Despite their resemblance to chickens, these birds are still wild, living in forests from northeastern India to the Philippines.
The domesticated chicken as we know it today likely arose from crossbreeding between G. gallus and other jungle fowl species, such as the gray jungle fowl of southern India. Interestingly, the yellow skin of many chickens is attributed to these genetic crossbreeds.
While chickens are now found worldwide, they are not native to the Americas or the Western hemisphere. It wasn’t until humans began domesticating them that they spread globally, driven by trade and migration.
The Domestication of Chickens: More Than Food
The domestication of chickens began over 7,000 years ago in Southeast Asia and possibly India, though the initial purpose wasn’t food. Instead, chickens were likely bred for cockfighting, a popular sport in ancient Eastern and Western societies. Roosters, naturally aggressive with sharp leg spurs, were often pitted against one another in fights. These brutal spectacles spread from Asia to Greece, Rome, and beyond. Though cockfighting is now considered cruel and is banned in many countries, it once played a significant role in chicken domestication.
Chickens also held religious and ritualistic importance. Ancient Egyptians used eggs in temples as symbols of fertility, and Persian Zoroastrians saw roosters as heralds of light overcoming darkness. Roman soldiers even used chickens to predict battle outcomes based on the birds’ appetite.
Only later were chickens raised primarily for food. Evidence of large-scale chicken farming dates back to the Hellenistic period in Israel, between the fourth and second centuries B.C. In Europe, chickens became a widespread food source around the first century B.C., and Romans are credited with creating early versions of omelets.
Chickens in the Middle Ages
Chickens became more popular as a food source in Europe between the ninth and 12th centuries A.D. Christian fasting practices that restricted meat from four-legged animals while allowing poultry likely contributed to this rise. During these periods of fasting, chickens and eggs became key sources of protein.
Selective breeding also played a role in the evolution of the modern chicken. Around 920 A.D., a genetic mutation allowed chickens to breed and lay eggs year-round instead of seasonally. Another mutation promoted weight gain, making chickens more valuable as a food source. These traits have been passed down, ensuring that today’s chickens lay eggs consistently and grow larger than their wild ancestors, thanks to centuries of human intervention.
As fascinating as the history of chickens and eggs may be, one thing is certain—eggs remain a timeless and versatile staple in our diets. At Uhav Eggs, we take pride in offering fresh, high-quality eggs straight from our farm to your table. Whether you’re stocking up for your home kitchen or your business, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us for all your egg needs and enjoy the farm-fresh quality you can trust!