Through the use of re-enactments and interviews, eclectic characters tell stories about the role of chickens in their lives. Exploring the history behind one of America's most popular foods, the film portrays these birds as being far more than just a source of nutrition. From supernatural stories of resuscitation and headless running fowl to a woman who prefers their company to their taste, The Natural History of the Chicken paints a far more nuanced picture of poultry than one would imagine.