BONE EVIDENCE OF PATHOLOGICAL LESIONS IN DOMESTIC HEN (Gallus domesticus Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

This paper presents bone evidence for various pathological lesions occurring in domestic hen (Gallus domesticus L.), the first domesticated bird. They include healed fractures of a small grade exacerbated by dislocations, inflammations manifested in joints, osteopetrosis, cervical hernia and rickets. All but one of the illustrated specimens originate from archaeological assemblages found on the territory of the present day Hungary and Romania. The time period represented by the finds ranges from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages. In addition to the illustration of pathological lesions, a short description of the origin and effect of the injuries is given.