Chickens were domesticated in South-east Asia, The Indian subcontinent, and parts of Europe. Unlike how they are generally seen today (as food, pets or egg layers), Chickens were domesticated for cockfighting. Chickens soon spread over Eurasia, Evidence of this includes the famous line by Diogenes the Cynic, who plucked a chicken and went into Plato's academy as said “Behold a Man” after Plato gave the Tongue-in-cheek definition of man being featherless bipeds

During the time of the Romans, chickens had started to be used for egg laying or food. Cockfighting was still present during the time, but not as common as during the time of the Ancient Greeks. Breeding increased during this time but that would all change in the Middle Ages. The Middle ages saw chickens being mostly used to lay eggs or for food, instead of for cockfighting.

On Marco Polo's voyages to Asia, he wrote of a “Furry Chicken” which was likely referring to Silkies, the most notable “furry” chicken. When the Americas started to be colonized, chickens were brought along and soon gave rise to notable breeds like Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock. As colonization spread, chickens did as well and this would help Chickens become one of the most widespread domesticated animals.

In the Early 2000s, chickens began to not be kept for eggs, cockfighting or food but as pets.