Curious about chicken language

[LalaP]

I love all the varieties of sounds that my chickens make! I can tell they have certain sounds to alert each other and they all make the same lovely sound when enjoying cuddles and being held. I’m just curious if there is a universal chicken language or does each flock have its own? Would your chickens understand the warning sounds that my girls make? I’m sure someone has studied this, right? I’d love to know more if anyone has any insight or knows of a study that’s been done.

These are the things I think about while I’m sitting with my fluffy bottomed ladies!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I love all the varieties of sounds that my chickens make! I can tell they have certain sounds to alert each other and they all make the same lovely sound when enjoying cuddles and being held. I’m just curious if there is a universal chicken language or does each flock have its own? Would your chickens understand the warning sounds that my girls make? I’m sure someone has studied this, right? I’d love to know more if anyone has any insight or knows of a study that’s been done.

These are the things I think about while I’m sitting with my fluffy bottomed ladies!

It seems to me to be universal. For example, my broody mama was raised by me, and I’ve never had another broody hen. Only her. When she has babies her entire language changes. She has different “come hither” or “go hide” or “stay away from my baby” sounds and body languages. It’s totally fascinating.

 

[LalaP]

So I’m terrible at internet research but after I wrote this post I tried searching again and found this really great page, complete with recordings and interpretations of chicken speak!

https://www.tillysnest.com/2018/04/listen-chicken-vocalizations/

How fun!

 

[centrarchid]

I think the basis is innate although they may be able to associate sounds with different concepts. I can understand most of what they say, but some of their sounds relating to nature of a food resource differ in a manner that makes sense to them but not yet to me. I now they can indicate a lot of something of high quality that differs from just finding a pile scratch grains. They also appear have a special call indicating water.

You can get them to squeeze out the calls by providing them eats in high weeds where they can not see each other or what the others see.

 

[IamRainey]

I've got one hen who makes a completely Exorcist sound when I open the hatch to the nesting box if she's in there. She's the only one who does it and that's the only time I hear that macabre sound.

Sounds a bit like an eagle's screech only a whole lot closer and a whole lot more evil in intent.

 

[ForeverFactor]

They always remind me too much sometimes to the raptors on Jurassic Park. I just hope they never remember their heritage.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

It’s particularly curious when the chickens stop everything and very obviously pay close attention to what the crows are saying .

 

[centrarchid]

My chickens that fly a lot make a sound indicating they are getting ready to launch and another when the flight is starting.

 

[centrarchid]

I am particularly curious when the chickens stop everything and very obviously pay close attention to what the crows are saying .

Mine listen in on Blue Jays and Bluebirds too. All the birds, regardless of species, recognize each others warning sounds for hawks. Even my dogs learned them.

 

[IamRainey]

My chicken "talk" to chickens in a neighbor's yard about 20 yards away. Or rather my rooster calls to them and they answer back. I think he'd like to lure them into his harem.