How Intelligent are Chickens?

How intelligent are chickens? Much more than most people realise. For years, the phrase “bird brain” has unfairly painted chickens as dim-witted and clueless. But scientific research is beginning to reveal a different truth — one that shows these birds possess far more brainpower than they’re given credit for.

From self-control and memory to navigation and social learning, chickens are quietly proving themselves to be surprisingly clever creatures.

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Chickens understand numbers and size — from birth

Chicks can make sense of basic quantity just hours after hatching. In studies, newly hatched chicks have shown an ability to distinguish between different group sizes — even without formal counting — and consistently choose the larger group. This innate sense of numerical discrimination is something that takes human toddlers much longer to grasp.

They also make judgements based on size, selecting the largest item when given options, even before they’ve been trained to do so.

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They understand object permanence

Human babies typically develop object permanence — the understanding that something still exists even when it’s out of sight — at around 8 to 12 months old.

Chickens, however, grasp this concept much earlier. Experiments have shown that when something is hidden from view, chickens actively search for it. They know it hasn’t disappeared — it’s just out of sight. This ability requires abstract thought and memory recall, both signs of intelligence.

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Chickens show self-control

In a fascinating study, chickens were taught that if they waited, they would be rewarded with a longer feeding time. Over time, most birds learned to delay gratification and wait their turn — even though this went against their natural instinct to rush to food.

This behaviour puts them on par with some primates and four-year-old children in terms of impulse control, an ability closely linked to intelligence and decision-making.

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They can navigate using the sun

Chickens have built-in navigation skills. From as young as two weeks old, they can use the position of the sun to orient themselves. They’re able to make mental maps of their environment and, much like migratory birds and ancient sailors, use solar cues to find their way — something many humans would struggle with without technology.

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Chickens communicate with sound and body language

Chickens have a surprisingly rich system of communication. Researchers have identified over 20 distinct vocalisations that signal different things — from warning about predators to calling chicks to food.

But they don’t just rely on noise. They use body posture, movement, and feather positioning to send signals to each other. Roosters, for example, will perform specific dances and feeding behaviours during courtship, and hens can signal submission or distress through subtle body movements.

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They are socially intelligent

One of the most impressive aspects of chicken intelligence is their social awareness. Chickens:

• Learn behaviours from others (especially young chicks watching their mothers)
• Adapt their actions based on social feedback
• Understand and maintain their position in the flock hierarchy
• Recognise individuals and form relationships
• Remember past interactions, including those with humans

So, how intelligent are chickens? They even exhibit something akin to empathy. When hens see their chicks in distress, they show signs of stress themselves, such as increased heart rate and alertness.

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Chickens learn from experience

Chickens are natural problem solvers. In studies, hens have figured out how to operate latches, avoid electrified areas, and use tools to access food rewards. They can remember solutions and apply them to future challenges — a form of learned behaviour often associated with higher animals.

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So, how intelligent are chickens?

Despite their small brains, chickens are clearly capable of impressive feats of learning, memory, communication and social interaction. Whether it’s solving problems, navigating their environment or showing restraint to gain a better reward, their behaviour often mirrors that of more traditionally respected animals.

So next time you watch your flock, keep an eye out — you might just notice signs of cleverness you hadn’t seen before.