Here’s The Story Behind The Headless Chicken Statue In Colorado

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… a chicken with no head? If you have ever visited the town of Fruita, Colorado, the answer is yes: that is indeed a headless chicken statue! However, it isn’t just any headless chicken, but Mike the headless chicken, whose story is as unique as the statue itself:

Once upon a time, there was a chicken who lived on a farm and, like most chickens, made its way to the butcher block. However, instead of ending up on the dinner table, "Mike" managed to survive his beheading.

What is one to do when a headless chicken is wandering around? Turn it into a sideshow exhibit, of course, which is exactly what happened to Mike, who - at one point - brought in a whopping $4,500 per month ($47,700 today)!

How did Mike survive without his head? Since the ax missed the jugular vein, most of the chicken's brain stem stayed intact, which allowed the chicken to live a somewhat normal life.

Fed a diet of milk, water, and small grains of corn, Mike lived 18 months without his head and now lives in infamy via a 5-foot-tall metal statue in the heart of Fruita.

In addition to the statue, Mike's hometown pays homage to the peculiar fowl via the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, consisting of a 5K, Peeps eating contest, live music, and more.

To learn more about this Centennial State legend, please visit Mike the Headless Chicken's website.

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it!

If you enjoy quirky sightings like the Mike the headless chicken statue, may we recommend taking our road trip to some of the many unique roadside attractions in California? From the world’s tallest thermometer to the International Banana Museum, you are sure to have a blast. Our road trip packing list is a great resource to check out before you get on the road!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses

Mike the Headless Chicken Statue, 128 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521, USA

Here’s The Story Behind The Bizarre Headless Chicken Statue In Colorado

Annie

Author

Related Stories

Colorado's Ranch House Cafe Will Transport You Back To A Simpler Time

The Oldest Operating Dairy Queen In Colorado Has Been Serving Mouthwatering Burgers And Ice Cream For Almost 75 Years

You Can Still Order Burgers By The Sack At This Old School Eatery In Colorado

Want more Colorado in your inbox?

Related Articles

Explore Colorado

Featured Addresses