Uploaded September 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Chickens are not mammals, and they don't breathe like mammals!
The air doesn't go into their lungs then out again, like us. The air flows through their lungs in one direction in a continuous flow!
It's all because of their air sacs - flimsy, non-muscular sacs like a filmy plastic bag. And because of these air sacs:
- birds can fly
- ducks can float
- you should never hold a chicken on her back or upside down
- you can't do a Heimlich manoevre on a chicken.
And if they pant a lot in hot weather, chickens can lay eggs with thin shells.

If you liked this video, do check out some fo the others in my playlist about how amazing chickens are:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZkmuqBJd8WQgSeRlaczWLh45pKnL3cXF

For more fascinating facts, hints and tips about caring for your chickens, and the sheer pleasure of chickens, subscribe to my channel: Chickens in my garden - New Zealand
youtube.com/c/Chickensinmygarden

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