Chickens
In complex and ingenious studies,* chickens demonstrated that they can make memories, count objects, show preferences for specific things and situations, and differentiate between people and other chickens. They can also demonstrate self-control, and perhaps most profoundly, have a sense of time relating both to the past and the future. They are social beings and form strong bonds and have even chosen to be with their peers over food! As chicks they start communicating with their mothers via chirps and peeps before hatching from their eggs, and have demonstrated they can even learn from watching videos, proving they are capable of complex thoughts. A university study showed that chicks are capable of recognizing a whole object even when it was only partially revealed to them. Human babies can only demonstrate this at the age of four months – but chicks can do it from day one! They are darn smart little birds. Roosters are extremely loyal fathers and mates, helping find nesting areas and bringing food to the hens in their flock. They will even often refuse to eat until the hens have begun to eat first. Every day here at the sanctuary, one can witness their keen, special intelligence in action and the bonds they form. For more information on why chickens need our help, learn more by clicking chicken for eggs.
*Studies co-sponsored by the Universities of both Padua and Trento, Italy.
