Poultry Judging Practice Test

At rest, what is the heart rate of a chicken in beats per minute?

1. 150

2. 250

3. 300

4. 400

The correct answer is: 300

The heart rate of a chicken at rest is typically around 300 beats per minute. This elevated heart rate reflects the high metabolic demands of chickens, which are birds adapted for flight; even though they may not fly long distances today, their physiology still maintains a rapid heart rate. This quick rate enables efficient circulation of blood, delivering oxygen to their active muscles and supporting their energetic lifestyles. Understanding this aspect of poultry physiology is crucial in poultry judging and management, as it informs behaviors related to health, stress responses, and overall well-being of the birds. Higher heart rates can indicate stress or excitement, while a resting rate, like 300 beats per minute, indicates a normal physiological state for healthy chickens.