Just read that chickens can recognize over 100 different human faces and now I look at my flock differently

I was reading this poultry science blog last night because my Buff Orpington hen Betty has been acting weird around my neighbor. Turns out she just doesnt like him. The article said chickens remember who was nice or mean to them for months. So when Betty hisses at the mailman shes actually holding a grudge. Has anyone else noticed their chickens acting different around specific people?

3 comments

3 Comments

andrew85414h ago

My Barred Rock hen Gertrude absolutely hates my mailman. I had to start putting her in the coop before he comes because she charged him twice. Makes me wonder what he did. Also, @keithharris had that good point about breed differences - my docile Buff Orpingtons never hiss at anyone, but Gertrude is a little terror to everyone except me. It is wild how long they hold a grudge though, like two years seems crazy long for a bird brain.

ericb6618h ago

I heard chickens can remember faces for up to two years.

keithharris16h ago

Yeah, "remember faces for up to two years" sounds about right from what I've read. I've kept chickens for a few years now and some of them definitely seem to recognize me versus strangers, especially when I'm the one bringing treats. Your mileage may vary depending on the breed and how much time you spend with them, but they're smarter than people give them credit for.