Berlin chicken (TTtC)

A berlin chicklet.

The Berlin chicken, scientifically known as Gallus gallus domesticus berlinii, is a subspecies of the red junglefowl, specifically the domestic chicken. It was first recorded in the city of Berlin after the Moscow-Washington Conflict. It is accepted among multiple scientists that the Berlin chicken was caused by a genetic deformity causing Polymelia, mainly due to the radioactivity of the area, that eventually became it's own sustainable species after interbreeding with other Berlin chickens.

Berlin chickens are mainly characterized by having four legs, albeit the back legs sometimes being shriveled and small. Most of the time, the back two legs are barely visible, and sometimes not visible at all. Some street breeders, however attempt to make the legs more prominent in an attempt to sell more of them as pets.

There has been some debate on the status of Berlin chickens, as some scientific and media sources question the Berlin chicken's status as a subspecies. Some claim it should be considered instead as a genetic defect, while some claim that it shouldn't be considered a part of the Gallus genus at all, or even considered among the types of other birds.

Despite their low approximated population of about 15,000, their population is increasing rapidly, and are not considered endangered by most sources.

Evolution

During the Moscow-Washington Conflict, one of the world's most highly irradiated areas is northern Germany, especially to the east. Radiation, by altering DNA structures, can have vast consequences on living creatures, especially ones that are already susceptible to genetic defects.

According to sources such as MIT and the League of Nations Bureau of Crisis Management (LoNBCM), the evolution of Berlin chickens most likely started near the former border between East and West Germany, which was hit by multiple nuclear weapons. Regular chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), inherited multiple genetic defects, which eventually became their own biological traits that would be passed down through each generation. After interbreeding with other defected chickens, the defective genes became stronger to the point that their biology and species became separate from that of regular chickens.

Use by humans

Farming

Use of Berlin chickens for farming is prohibited in the German Administrations, along with the majority of Europe, as cancer-causing chemicals and radiation are likely. Instead, Berlin chickens are mainly let to roam free. Sometimes, Berlin chickens will be hunted for sport, or eaten. The taste of Berlin chickens is said to be not much different than domesticated chickens, with some using them as substitutes for cases where Gallus gallus domesticus is not easily available.

As pets

A street breeder attempts to sell a Berlin chicken (2001)

In rare cases, Berlin chickens may be used and sold as exotic pets. They have shown increasing popularity, especially on websites such as ShareYourWorld. While no official animal shelter sells berlin chickens, breeders and street vendors have offered to sell them. Some have also been rescued from the wild.

In the cases of street breeders, some breeders attempt to breed Berlin chickens to make the back legs more prominent in an attempt to catch attention of passerby's, and to have more of them sold as pets due to the exotic and unique nature of four-legged birds. This, however, may also lead to more genetic defects in Berlin chickens, such as shorter lifespans.