Poultry Judging Practice Test

How many years ago was the red jungle fowl domesticated?

1. 4,000 years

2. 6,000 years

3. 8,000 years

4. 10,000 years

The correct answer is: 8,000 years

The domestication of the red jungle fowl is widely believed to have occurred around 8,000 years ago. This is supported by archaeological findings and genetic studies that trace the lineage of modern chickens back to these wild ancestors. Red jungle fowl, native to regions in Southeast Asia, were likely attracted to human settlements due to the availability of food sources, leading to their gradual domestication. This timeframe is significant as it highlights the long-standing relationship between humans and poultry, indicating the early importance of chickens as a source of food and companionship. Understanding this historical context is essential in poultry judging and breeding, as it informs the traits that have been selected over millennia to shape the varieties of chickens we know today.