In the annals of bizarre animal stories, few are as astonishing as that of Mike the Headless Chicken. Mike was no ordinary chicken-he lived for 18 months after his head was almost completely chopped off. This incredible survival story has fascinated people for decades, raising questions about biology, resilience, and the unexpected quirks of nature. But how did Mike the Headless Chicken die after such an extraordinary life? Let’s dive into the fascinating details.
The Beginning of Mike’s Unbelievable Journey
Mike was a five-and-a-half-month-old Wyandotte chicken owned by Lloyd Olsen, a farmer in Fruita, Colorado. On September 10, 1945, Lloyd was preparing dinner and attempted to behead Mike with an axe. However, the axe missed the jugular vein and left a large part of Mike’s brain stem intact, along with one ear. This crucial part of the brain controls basic functions like breathing and heartbeat. Because of this, Mike did not bleed to death and surprisingly remained alive.
Instead of dying, Mike stood up and began to walk around clumsily. He tried to preen, peck for food, and even crowed, though his crow was more of a gurgling sound. Lloyd and his wife Clara were shocked but decided to care for Mike, feeding him a mixture of milk and water through an eyedropper and giving him small grains of corn and worms.
How Mike Survived Without a Head
The secret to Mike’s survival lies in the unique anatomy of chickens. Most of a chicken’s brain is located at the back of its head, behind the eyes. When Mike was beheaded, the axe blade missed the vital jugular vein and left about 80% of his brain stem intact. This part of the brain controls essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and reflexes.
Normally, when a chicken is beheaded, it can only survive for a few minutes because the brain is severed from the body, and the bird bleeds out. However, Mike’s case was different. The blood clot that formed prevented fatal bleeding, and the remaining brain stem kept his vital functions going. This allowed Mike to live and move around for an astonishing 18 months, far beyond the typical few minutes a headless chicken might survive.
Mike’s Life as a Celebrity
Mike’s survival quickly became a sensation. Lloyd Olsen realized he had a unique attraction and took Mike on tour, exhibiting him at fairs, carnivals, and sideshows across the country. Mike earned about $4,500 a month (a considerable sum at the time) and was valued at $10,000. He even appeared in Life and Time magazines, gaining national fame.
Despite his headless condition, Mike gained weight and remained relatively healthy. He had a personal assistant who fed him liquid food and water through an eyedropper and cleared mucus from his throat with a syringe to prevent choking.
How Did Mike the Headless Chicken Die?
Mike’s extraordinary life came to an end on March 17, 1947, in a motel room in Phoenix, Arizona. The night before, Mike began choking on mucus that had accumulated in his throat. Unfortunately, Lloyd and Clara Olsen had accidentally left the syringe they used to clear Mike’s throat at the sideshow where Mike had been exhibited earlier that day. Without the syringe, they were unable to clear the mucus, and Mike suffocated.
This tragic accident was the true cause of Mike’s death. His severed esophagus made it difficult for him to breathe properly, and the mucus buildup blocked his airway. Despite the best care from his owners, Mike’s unique physiology could not overcome this final obstacle.
Legacy of Mike the Headless Chicken
Even decades after his death, Mike remains a beloved figure in Fruita, Colorado. The town honors his memory with an annual “Mike the Headless Chicken Day” festival every May, drawing visitors from all over the United States.
Mike’s story is a remarkable example of how biology can sometimes surprise us, and how resilience can manifest in the most unexpected ways. His life challenged what we think is possible and continues to inspire curiosity and wonder.
Mike’s death, caused by choking due to mucus buildup, was a sad but fitting end to a chicken that lived far beyond anyone’s expectations.
Mike the Headless Chicken died from choking on mucus when his owners accidentally left the syringe they used to clear his throat behind. Despite his incredible survival for 18 months without a head, this unfortunate accident ended his extraordinary life.