| Mike the Headless Chicken | |
|---|---|
 An photograph in Mike the Headless Chicken | |
| Background | |
| Type | Phenomena |
| Continent | North America |
| Country | United States |
| One-Time? | Yes |
| Theories | · N/A |
Mike the Headless Chicken was a Wyandotte rooster in Fruita, Colorado. Who lived for 18 months after his head was cut off in 1945. This remarkable story has been widely reported and has sparked interest in the scientific community.
Description[]
Wyandotte chicken named Mike, who lived for 18 months after his head was cut off by farmer Lloyd Olsen in September 1945. Despite the beheading, Mike survived due to the axe missing his jugular vein and leaving most of his brain stem intact. This allowed him to continue basic functions like breathing and walking, leading to his unexpected survival. Mike gained national fame, toured sideshows, and even appeared in magazines like Time and Life. His owner, Lloyd Olsen, cared for him by feeding him a mixture of milk and water through an eyedropper.
Mike’s ability to live without a head was attributed to the remaining brain stem controlling essential functions and reflex actions. The case highlighted central motor generators enabling basic homeostatic functions in the absence of higher brain centers. Additionally, birds possess secondary balance organs that aid in locomotion even without a functional cranial vestibular system.
Despite his fame and popularity, Mike met a tragic end in March 1947 when he choked on a kernel of corn at a motel in Phoenix, Arizona. The Olsens were unable to save him as they had left their feeding equipment behind. Mike’s death marked the end of his remarkable journey as the headless chicken that defied all odds.
Possible Explanations[]
There are several explanations as to what the phenomenon could be. Theories include:
- N/A
Trivia[]
- Mike’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable survival story. He has become a cultural icon in Fruita, Colorado, with an annual celebration held in his honor. The event includes quirky activities like the “5K Run Like a Headless Chicken Race,” egg toss, “Pin the Head on the Chicken,” the “Chicken Cluck-Off,” and “Chicken Bingo.” Additionally, Mike’s story inspired the creation of a poultry-themed comedy punk band called The Radioactive Chicken Heads, who dedicated a song titled “Headless Mike” to him.
Gallery[]
Photo Gallery[]
