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Here at Pasado’s Safe Haven, we are delighted to share our days with our “bird-brained” friends – but spending time with them requires re-thinking the meaning of that phrase. Chickens are remarkably bright birds who comprehend cause and effect and have demonstrated an understanding of object permanence. This means that chickens understand an object’s existence even after it has been hidden from view. Object permanence is a developmental milestone typically related to human infant development, and it shows just how smart these birds are.
Chickens are social animals who are friendly, receptive, and talkative. They can solve complex problems and they have an intricate communication system, with different vocalizations standing for specific words or ideas. Research has revealed that chickens are the only animal other than those in the primate family who make sounds that represent something specific in their environment.
When a chicken is presented with a predator, they will use varied clucks, chirps, and tisk noises depending upon the specific predator that is present. The other chickens in their social group understand the difference and respond accordingly. Surprised? Those who have had the pleasure of living with chickens are aware of their cleverness and rave about their charming personalities. We’ve seen first-hand just how clever they are. Our chickens choose their friends just as people do, and pal around with those specific friends in “chicken cliques.”
Our chickens have come to Pasado’s from numerous rescues. Daryl, a Polish Rooster, was recently found wandering around in the open before he was saved by Pasado’s. He was introduced to the other chickens this week and while he hasn’t chosen his friends just yet, his calm demeanor shows that he feels safe and secure. Daryl’s rescue exemplifies improper and irresponsible pet care: domesticated animals rely on their humans for protection, and poultry are vulnerable to predators, traffic, and even people when they do not have appropriate care and housing. The safety of pets applies to all companion animals, be they cats, dogs, horses, or chickens, and we are glad that Daryl made it safely behind our gates before he met a crueler fate.
Chickens are also excellent mothers who communicate with their chicks before they have hatched, with their chicks responding through their shells. Mother hens prefer private nesting sites to avoid predators, and often go without food or water to keep their eggs safe and warm. Chickens also experience REM sleep, which is associated with a dreaming state in humans. What would a chicken dream about? Dirt to scratch in, a high, secure perch for sleeping, or perhaps being the closest living relative of Tyrannosaurs Rex?
Chickens who live in natural settings establish a social hierarchy, also referred to as the “pecking order.” Each chicken has a unique personality that often reflects their position in the pecking order. Within their social groups, chickens enjoy scratching in the dirt, roosting from a high perch, and socializing. Chickens in factory farms, however, have a far different reality. Billions of these brilliant birds live their brief lives in deplorable conditions, packed into cramped quarters and pumped with antibiotics that accelerate their growth. They often become crippled by their own weight and have suffered greatly by the time they are slaughtered.
Chickens, who are arguably the most abused animals on this planet, are also some of the smartest.
At Pasado’s, we believe that these amazing birds are companion animals who do not belong on the dinner plate. Spending just a few moments in their company demonstrates their intelligence, gregariousness, and friendliness. Our feathered friends never cease to amaze us, and they continue to surprise the scientific community, as well.
Would you like to help us continue to care for our bird-brained flock? Providing top-notch care to our lifelong residents can become expensive, but it’s worth every penny. With your support, we can continue to ensure that these brilliant birds live the lives that they deserve to live.
Thank you, from all of the feathered friends here at Pasado’s Safe Haven!
(don't forget
to ask your employer
to match your donation)
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