Study Reveals Emotional Sensitivity in Domestic Chickens
- Researchers have discovered that hens can exhibit a blushing response similar to humans, indicating their emotional states like excitement or fear.
- This finding challenges the long-held belief that blushing is a uniquely human trait.
- The study contributes to our understanding of animal emotions and expressions.
A recent study led by Aline Bertin from the National Institute of Agricultural Research has unveiled that domestic chickens possess a nuanced ability to express their emotions. Conducted in collaboration with various French institutes and the University of Tours, the research indicates that hens exhibit specific behaviors, such as fluffing their head feathers when calm and blushing in response to excitement or fear. Bertin noted that while chicken emotions are not directly comparable to human feelings, the phenomenon of blushing reflects a range of emotional responses. 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, revealing individual personality traits among the hens. Some were easily startled, while others displayed more resilience. This variability among chickens presents an opportunity for further exploration into their emotional expressions and welfare. Despite the study's findings, researchers acknowledged limitations, including challenges in accurately assessing color changes due to environmental factors. To address this, they employed infrared thermography, which helped ensure that temperature variations did not skew the results. Bertin emphasized the inherent subjectivity in interpreting animal emotions, suggesting that emotions can be defined through observable behavioral and physiological responses. Looking ahead, Bertin aims to explore the connection between these emotional displays and the social interactions of hens, with the ultimate goal of enhancing animal welfare practices.