What allows chickens to regulate their body temperature aside from panting?

Feather fluffing plays a crucial role in helping chickens regulate their body temperature. When chickens fluff up their feathers, they create an insulating layer of air that helps to conserve heat when it is cold. This action also allows them to release heat during warmer temperatures. By adjusting how tightly their feathers lie against their body, chickens can effectively manage their body heat, providing the flexibility needed for temperature regulation in varying environmental conditions.

While other behaviors like shivering, swimming, and seeking shade can also assist in temperature regulation in different contexts, feather fluffing is a specific adaptation in chickens that allows for more direct control over heat retention and dissipation. This behavior demonstrates the bird's ability to fine-tune its thermal environment effectively using its unique physical features.