In 1945 a rooster named mike lived 18 months without a head

In 1945, a rooster named Mike lived 18 months without a head.

Have you ever heard of a chicken living without its head? Well, in 1945, an extraordinary rooster named Mike defied all odds and managed to survive for an astonishing 18 months despite losing its head. The story of Mike the Headless Chicken has fascinated people around the world, making it one of the most bizarre and intriguing tales in poultry history.

Mike’s astounding journey began on September 10, 1945, on the farm of Lloyd Olsen in Fruita, Colorado. Lloyd, a skilled farmer, was preparing a chicken for dinner and decided to chop off its head. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary act would lead to an extraordinary series of events.

To his astonishment, Mike, the rooster, didn’t die after losing its head. Instead, it continued to walk around and even attempted to crow. Lloyd, baffled by this surreal occurrence, decided to investigate further and was amazed to discover that Mike’s brainstem—a vital part of the rooster’s nervous system—had miraculously remained intact.

News of the miraculous headless chicken spread like wildfire, and it wasn’t long before Mike became a local celebrity. People from all over the town and neighboring cities came to witness this remarkable phenomenon. Mike’s owner saw a unique opportunity and quickly capitalized on the attention by showcasing the headless chicken at sideshows and exhibitions.

Incredibly, Mike managed to survive for 18 months with the help of diligent care and special feeding techniques. His owner, Lloyd and his wife, ensured that Mike received food and water through an eyedropper, carefully placing it down the chicken’s severed esophagus into its stomach. This feeding process kept Mike alive and intrigued scientists and experts who wanted to understand this extraordinary case further.

Various theories emerged to explain Mike’s ability to survive without a head. Some experts speculated that an unhealed blood clot in his neck prevented excessive bleeding and enabled him to survive. Others believed that a portion of Mike’s brainstem left attached to the skull played a significant role in maintaining basic motor functions.

Mike’s fame spread even beyond the boundaries of Colorado, capturing the attention of the media and scientists nationwide. His story became a subject of research, with scientists at the University of Utah conducting studies to understand the mechanisms that allowed him to survive without, well, a head.

Mike’s remarkable life came to an end on March 17, 1947, during a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. While staying in a motel, he choked on a kernel of corn and sadly passed away. The loss of Mike devastated his owners and left a void in the hearts of those who had witnessed his incredible journey.

Despite his bizarre existence, Mike the Headless Chicken left a lasting legacy. A festival called the “Mike the Headless Chicken Festival” is held annually in Fruita, Colorado, to honor his memory. The festival includes various entertaining activities, such as poultry-themed games, live music, and even a 5K road race.

The story of Mike serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of living organisms. Although it may seem impossible, nature sometimes surprises us in the most unimaginable ways. Mike the Headless Chicken remains an enduring testament to the incredible feats that can occur even in the face of adversity.

Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_the_Headless_Chicken#:~:text=Mike%20the%20Headless%20Chicken%20(April,City%20to%20establish%20the%20facts.)