Study Reveals Emotional Sensitivity in Domestic Chickens

A recent study led by Aline Bertin from the National Institute of Agricultural Research has unveiled that domestic chickens possess a nuanced emotional sensitivity, expressing their feelings through subtle physical cues. The research, conducted in collaboration with various French institutes and the University of Tours, found that hens exhibit specific behaviors, such as fluffing their head feathers when calm and blushing in response to excitement or fear. This blushing, akin to human emotional responses, indicates a range of feelings, from joy to anxiety, suggesting that chickens have a complex emotional life. The study, published in the journal Plos One, involved observing 17 hens over four weeks on a French farm. Researchers documented the birds' reactions to various stimuli, noting individual personality traits that influenced their responses. Some hens were easily startled, while others remained unfazed, highlighting the need for further exploration into these behavioral differences. The researchers utilized infrared thermography to analyze color changes in the hens' skin, ensuring that temperature variations did not skew their findings. Despite the challenges of studying animal emotions without language, Bertin emphasized that emotions can be defined through behavioral and physiological responses to environmental stimuli. The study opens avenues for future research into the social interactions of hens and their implications for animal welfare, aiming to enhance understanding of their emotional experiences and improve their living conditions.