Evolution has given rise to such a diverse set of species on Earth that humanity is still finding new animals to this very day. From whales to ants, there is variety in every type of animal, some natural, and others manmade. Humans have been genetically breeding animals for generations, and the Rutin chicken is perhaps the newest addition to the list that has taken the online world by storm. But why is this flightless bird the talk of the town, and what is the secret behind its popularity? Let’s explore what makes the Rutin chicken unique.

The Rutin chicken is not a true chicken!

The very first fact to establish is that the Rutin chicken is not a true chicken. This tiny bird is a hybrid of a quail and a partridge. Both birds are small, with the average quail reaching 17.5 cm (6.89 inches) in length and the average partridge reaching 30 cm (12 inches). While there are no average Rutin chicken sizes available, they usually are about the size of an adult’s fist and weigh around 50 grams (1.7 oz).

Rutin, a substance commonly found in fruits and vegetables, is present in this bird’s eggs. The substance is a bioflavonoid which is thought to offer several benefits such as aiding blood circulation, lowering cholesterol, and helping to reduce arthritis pain. Rutin chickens are not recognized by authorities but are highly regarded in China. Chinese social media features many videos of this tiny bird.

The Rutin chickens are gaining popularity as mini pets!

Despite their popularity in China, little is known about the Rutin chicken. Due to their small size and cute appearance, they can be kept as house pets even in small apartments. Many videos on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, show the birds kept in glass and wood enclosures equipped with lights, stairs, and decorations. Rutin chickens are also popular for their egg-laying capabilities, with some owners saying they pick eggs daily.

The birds are easily available on Taobao, China’s major online shopping platform. However, this does call into question the dangers of the exotic pet trade and the effects it has on animals being bought and sold in such markets. Crossbreeding of animals can also give rise to health complications for the hybrid species. This is the reason dog breeds like the pug suffer from respiratory issues. The Rutin chicken is fairly new, and more research has to be done on this bird to know if it is a safe species to continue producing.

The Rutin chicken may be cute, but some chicken breeds are downright strange!

1 The smallest chicken in the world is the Malaysian Serama.

Measuring 15–25 cm in height and weighing between 450-500 g (17.6 oz – 15.8 oz), the Malaysian Serama is the smallest chicken in the world. In addition to their small size, their upright posture and vertically positioned wings are their notable characteristics.

As the name suggests, they are native to Malaysia and do not have any standard color pattern. Their manner of standing and stately appearance make them a popular choice for apartment pets.

2 The dark color of the Ayam Cemani accentuates its astonishingly surreal appearance.

Playfully dubbed the “Goth Chicken,” the Ayam Cemani catches the eye and stays in one’s memory. This jet-black chicken owes its strange coloration to a genetic mutation known as “dermal hyperpigmentation” that affects every aspect of this bird – the beak, eyes, feet, tongue, and even the heart! These chickens have ties with Indonesian royalty and local elites.

3 The La Fleche chicken can look very intimidating.

The name of this chicken in French translates to “the arrow,” most likely in reference to the V-shaped comb on top of its head. The medium-breed chicken can reach between 2.9 – 3.6 kg (6.5 – 8 lbs.) and has a striking black-and-red color scheme.

The females of the species lay large- to extra-large-sized eggs, and this species is capable of flying. While they are flighty and not comfortable around humans, they are not aggressive and get along with other chicken breeds.

4 The impressive tail of the Onagadori is sure to shock you.

Hailing from Japan, the Onagadori is a “garden chicken” to be kept as an outdoor pet and an ornament. Their most striking feature is their long tails that can reach 12-27 feet (3.6 – 8.2 meters) in length! Historical data suggests these chickens are a result of crossbreeding Shokuku and Totenko chickens, as well as Minohiki long-tail chicken breeds from Japan.

This small-sized breed is delicate, as Europeans who took them back from Japan to Europe found the birds could not handle the cold weather. Onagadori chickens are docile but can be a bit aloof and skittish toward humans. The truly long tails are the cause of genetic variation and require a lot of maintenance to ensure they do not break.

5 The Polish chicken is a ball of fluff on two legs.

The exact history of the Polish chicken remains unknown, but they feature in Dutch and Italian paintings dating all the way back to the 1400s. The impressive crest of plumage on their heads is directly attached to their skulls. This also gives them their other nicknames  “Poland,” “Tophat,” and “Paduan.”

The feathers around their face do affect their vision, making them a nervous and easily spooked breed. They weigh between 4.5 – 6 lb. (2 – 2.7 kg) and can lay up to 150 medium-to-large eggs every year.

6 The Jersey Giant can tower over all other chicken breeds.

Another man-made breed, the Jersey Giant is the creation of John and Thomas Black from Burlington County, New Jersey. Developed between 1870 – 1890, the goal was to create a chicken that could replace the turkey as a table bird. As the name suggests, these birds can weigh between 10 – 15 lb. (4.5 – 6.8 kg) and reach heights between 16 – 26 inches (1.3 – 2.1 ft.).

They are a docile breed and can take cold temperatures without much issue. Due to their size, they do not usually fly, but there are some recorded instances of flight. The Jersey Giant is one of the largest chickens in the world and is even capable of fighting certain threats it may encounter on a farm.