The Amazing Colorado Chicken Who Outlived His Head

September 1945 was a life-changing time in America, just as it was in Western Colorado. The United States had used atomic weapons to defeat the Axis enemies in Japan, and Lloyd Olsen's mishap with a hatchet created the Colorado legend of "Headless Mike".

Once you hear the story of what happened to Mike, the male Wyandotte chicken who lived for 18 months without his head, you'll never forget it. Keep reading to learn five facts about Fruita's Headless Mike that you may or may not have heard before.

How Mike Became a Legend in Fruita

I can safely say I'm likely the only local media member (TV, radio, whatever) in Mesa County that shares a birthday with this poor headless chicken. Mike was born on April 20, which means he was barely six months old when farmer Lloyd chopped off his head. If you are not familiar with the legend, stop and watch this video (above) from godofmars YouTube. I love the interview clips.

Where the Statue of Headless Mike Lives

Google Street

The headless statue of Mike has been near the corner of E. Aspen Avenue and S. Mulberry Street since it was commissioned by the Fruita Chamber of Commerce in 1999. It's about a block from a great pizza place called Hot Tomato. Local artist Lyle Nichols created the statue. The joke, according to the Denver Post, is that he gave the city a discount because the statue was missing a head.

Five Surprising Facts About Mike

The community of Fruita, Colorado, comes together each year to remember Mike at the Headless Chicken Festival, which takes place around the final weekend in May. Find out more about the festival by visiting MiketheHeadlessChicken.org

He lived for 18 Months Without a Head: Lots of people think Mike died right away, but he lived from September 1945 to March 1947 without his head.
How Mike ate: His owners fed him with an eyedropper directly into his esophagus.
Mike earned $50K per month: His owners showed Mike at sideshows and exhibitions. He earned about $4,500 per month (≈ $50K in today’s dollars).
He paid for a pickup truck: According to the Denver Gazette, owner Lloyd Olsen was able to buy a brand-new blue Chevrolet pickup truck with Mike's earnings.
His death was an accident: While on tour in Arizona, Mike's owners misplaced the syringe they used to clear his throat, and Mike choked to death in a hotel room in 1947.

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