Some Humans can Identify Whether Chickens are Happy or Frustrated by Listening to Their Calls

According to a study published in the Royal Society Open Science, some people have the ability to determine whether captive chickens are happy or frustrated based on the sound of their calls. The study involved playing audio recordings of hens to nearly 200 volunteers, with 69% being able to differentiate between birds happy about an imminent treat and those frustrated by the lack of reward. The research suggests that even individuals without prior experience with chickens can identify the emotional state of the birds based on their calls.

The volunteers listened to recordings of hens trained to associate different sounds with hidden treats, such as mealworms or an empty bowl. When the chickens anticipated a treat, they produced excited clucks, while they responded with whines and wavering calls when there was no reward. The study's findings raise the possibility of using bird calls to detect animal welfare issues, with potential for further research to explore the range of moods and feelings experienced by chickens in different environments.