Which of the following species is considered self-sufficient after birth?

Which of the following species is considered self-sufficient after birth?

• A. Cats
• B. Chickens
• C. Dogs
• D. Pigs

Answer: (B)

Chickens are considered self-sufficient shortly after birth because they are precocial birds. This means that, unlike altricial species such as cats and dogs, which require extensive care and nurturing from their parents after hatching or birthing, chicks are capable of feeding themselves and walking around soon after they hatch. They can forage for food, follow their mother for guidance, and are relatively independent in their early days. In contrast, puppies and kittens rely on their mothers for food, warmth, and protection during the initial weeks of life. They are dependent on their mothers for nursing and socialization until they grow sufficiently to begin handling basic needs on their own. Pigs also exhibit some level of independence, but like dogs and cats, piglets require care for a period before they can be considered fully self-sufficient.

Chickens are considered self-sufficient shortly after birth because they are precocial birds. This means that, unlike altricial species such as cats and dogs, which require extensive care and nurturing from their parents after hatching or birthing, chicks are capable of feeding themselves and walking around soon after they hatch. They can forage for food, follow their mother for guidance, and are relatively independent in their early days.

In contrast, puppies and kittens rely on their mothers for food, warmth, and protection during the initial weeks of life. They are dependent on their mothers for nursing and socialization until they grow sufficiently to begin handling basic needs on their own. Pigs also exhibit some level of independence, but like dogs and cats, piglets require care for a period before they can be considered fully self-sufficient.