Sat, 02 May 2026 23:08:08 +0000

Why Is the Chicken So Bright Pink? It’s Not Just a Farm Animal! If you’ve ever seen a bright pink chicken pecking peacefully in your neighbor’s backyard, you might have paused to wonder: Why is that chicken so unnaturally pink? Far from being a farm animal in the mundane sense, the vibrant hue of some chickens is a fascinating blend of genetics, diet, and even health. It’s not just for show—this pink color tells a story about biology, nutrition, and what makes poultry truly unique. ## What Makes Chicken Feathers Pink? The pink color in chicken feathers primarily comes from a natural pigment called carotenoids—the same antioxidants found in carrots and sweet potatoes that give carrots their orange glow. Unlike mammals, chickens cannot produce carotenoids internally; instead, they must obtain these pigments directly from their diet, mainly from grains, vegetables, and certain plants rich in these compounds.