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How To Carry A Chicken (Around the World)
Earlier today, I saw a post on Kevin Kelly's blog about how to move live chickens in China that featured some remarkable images. According to Kelly, "You get some large sacks, poke some holes in the top, weave the birds into each so each head it sticking out, and then you can throw the entire sack on a bicycle or truck. The birds were quiet and seemed to like the swaddling."
Naturally, it reminded me of the chickens my neighbors in Zambia used to tote. While most people carry chickens in a relatively "humane" way -- by holding them under their bellies, between the legs -- not everyone in the world is so thoughtful. Here are some ways you might expect to see chickens toted in other parts of the world.
In PNG, you might see chickens carried on a stick. Looks like he's going fishing!
In Ethiopia, the chickens might be strapped to a donkey.
In Burkina Faso, don't be surprised to see them hanging from the back of a motorbike.
They do it the same way in parts of Vietnam.
In other parts of Vietnam, though, they may protect the chickens in baskets.
In Mali, they might use a bike.
Same goes for China -- though they might have some sophisticated-looking cages.
Or just some woven baskets.
They use baskets in Nepal, too -- but no bikes.
In parts of Africa, they use baskets AND cars.
Whereas in parts of Ecuador, some people prefer the low-tech feel of wooden poles.
In Bali, you might see chickens carried in beautifully-woven baskets.
The Burmese might use baskets.
Some Guatemalans use baskets, too.
In India, they transport them in baskets and then keep them together in netted playpens.
This shot was taken in Vietnam's Bac Ha market -- but it looks like it could've been taken in rural Africa.
But this is usually how I saw them transported:
In Malaysia, you might find them wrapped in paper and tied up with a pretty bow.
Finally, I'm not exactly certain where this photo was taken -- somewhere in SE Asia, I think -- but I do know that you shouldn't park or stand next to it.
And we'll close this photo essay with the most ridiculous video EVER: learn how to put a chicken to sleep in under 60 seconds.
Filed under: Learning, Photos, Africa, Asia, South America
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Patrick Kwan May 9th 2007 5:05PM
In countries like the United States, and especially for city-dwellers like myself, we're quite accustommed to having animal cruelty tucked away from us (though the PETA folks do try to bring it to our attention, - http://www.PETAtv.com). It's quite sad to see how animals are treated or their conditions when you're traveling.
I was recently in Mexico and seeing the many stray dogs - some had wounds and some looked very skinny - really struck me. And the saddest thing was, there wasn't much that I could do, except petting a few of them and giving them some comforting words.
zid May 25th 2007 5:34PM
I'd have more respect for PETA if they weren't terrorists.
English Man May 28th 2007 2:02PM
PETA are full of shit. They should think more about the welfare of humans.
Fatty May 29th 2007 8:24AM
If you were so concerned abuot the stray dogs why not try putting them out of their misery with a quick turn of your rental car wheel?
This page isn't about animal cruelty, it's about the best / most efficient / most aesthetically pleasing way of carrying your lunch.
Just imagine it with bacon across its back.
Fatty May 29th 2007 9:17AM
This page isn't about animal cruelty, it's about the best / most efficient / most aesthetically pleasing way of carrying your lunch.
Just imagine it with bacon across its back.
Amir Jul 25th 2007 3:05AM
Living in one of the third world countries, Pakistan to be specific, such scenes are very common.
What strikes me is what occupies the people in the developed and civilized world. Though I agree that one must have something to worry about to justify one's existence, dont you guys feel a little ashamed when philosphizing on such topics as animal cruelty.
Do you know how many children live in conditions far more worse than the stray dogs in mexico?
Do you know how many human beings, chiefly civilians, die everyday in Iraq, Afghanistan and in African countries?
USA dumps tons of crops in the sea to keep the demand and supply in check, european countries celebrate festivals of fruits and vegetables wasting what could feed entire countries in Africa ..
and we ought to think about dogs and PETA and paris Hilton's rehabilitation???? PATHETIC
Vicky Franzsen Oct 12th 2007 6:09AM
i was born in africa and i still live here now. true, some live in appaling conditions and are starving, but does that make animal abuse justified? i think it's even worse when people that are badly off (such as as africans) abuse animals - because they should know what it feels like to suffer! every time i see someone beating his dog or donkey i want to go over and beat him back. we may be poor, but we are probably even less sympathetic.
ps. the amount of people that simply dump their babies into dustbins instead of giving them to orphanages is very scary. rape and domestic violence is also very high. how can we expect first world countries to care about us and give us food and support when we behave like this?