This is why chickens can live with their heads cut off

This is why chickens can live with their heads cut off
(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Yes, chickens really can run around with their heads cut off — and Modern Farmer has the explanation behind how the animals can survive decapitation.

The answer often lies in the way chickens are killed — if a butcher slices a chicken's head too high, the slice may miss the jugular veins. A too-high slice can also take away the chicken's forebrain but leave the brain stem and cerebellum, allowing the bird to continue moving and, in some cases, breathing.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.