Bird Brain? Meaning what?
Most would not regard the chicken as a particularly intelligent creature. However, this is just not the case. The term 'bird brain' cannot be referring to these loveable and delightful creatures.
How clever is clever?
How clever is clever?
Measuring intelligence can be difficult, even for the smartest of individuals. Like Einstein said, 'If you measure a fish and its intelligence, by its ability to climb a tree, it will be stupid.'
There is no single measure of human intelligence and the same applies to animals.
For instance, animals can appear to be great at problem solving. Only on closer examination would you see that they are simply using 'rules of thumb'. For example, if you see A, do behaviour X.
Even the more complex of sequences can arise by stringing together a number of very simple components.
Chickens really come into their own when the demonstration their behavioural flexibility. This flexibility can be demonstrated when a simple rule of thumb is applied to increasingly specific and unique circumstances.
Chickens can quickly adapt to these 'rules'. Another example of this is when a cockerel will increase its courtship vocalisations in the presence of a hen, but reduce calling in the presence of another cockerel. This shows that the male bird monitors its environment carefully, and makes subtle adjustments to his behaviour accordingly.
Adjusting with age
When there are growing chicks, bot the male and female will adjust their alarm-calling in order to protect their chicks When the chicks are young, if a small hawk is flying overhead, they will sound the warning. However, as the chicks grow, alarm calls are given only in response to larger, predatory birds.
Learn faster than babies
A baby will not realise until around 12 months of age, that if an object is moved out of view, it still exists. However, chicks that are just a few days old seem to appreciate that objects are permanent, and move readily towards hidden prey items or social partners.
Look and Learn
Chicks also demonstrate their brain power by their ability to 'look and learn'. This is even true if the chicks are shown videos of other chickens behaving a certain way when carrying out a particular task.
Was Mr Tweedy right?
It is actually quite well known that chickens can plot and form plans. They will even execute a level of self control to gain future rewards. It is a sign of intelligence to live and act not only in the present, but to consider options and act for gain int he long run.
So there you have it. As you can see, Chickens are actually very intelligent little characters. We have found this information from various sources and studies and have been impressed by their sometimes funny behaviour. We hope you have enjoyed it too.
For more information please see www.crawfordsfeed.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment