Re: Why are headless chickens able to maintain balance

The answer comes from much experience with this occurance and with an 
education in physiology of poultry.

The actual muscle movement is the result of ATP release from the muscle.
The direction and balance is due to "muscle / nerve memory" -- this is the 
way the muscles/nerves have been have been fired and used at a certain 
tension for life -- if the body is bilaterally symetrical-- they can "run" 
a short distance as though still alive. This is sheerly reflex action -- 
no higher or lower brain function is necessary -- only spinal cord and 
peripheral nerves.

Chickens and other avians will "run" for a short sprint if they are 
decapitated. If cervical dislocation is performed to euthanize poultry  - 
th head is still attached but loose - this results in asymmetry of weight 
distribution -- the running and flapping goes on, but balance is seldom 
maintained.

Another interesting example, there was a chicken that was part of a side 
show in the 30's. The chicken had ben decapitated -- but only partially. 
The little feathered fellow still had the lower part of his head and basal 
functioning brain portions intact. I do not know if the ears were intact --
 but I would suspect the ears and cerebellum would be necessary to 
maintain balance for long periods.This chicken was kept alive for a number 
of months -- food and water given through the esophagus with a dropper.
It could walk, move, etc. Death occured when corn was given into the 
trachea instead of the esophagus. Sounds a little strange, but it is true.