The laying hens seem to you to be silly and boring animals? Their cognitive abilities may surprise you!
This new species sheet is your chance to learn more about hens. You’ll discover that the hen is a social animal with specific behavioral needs and a unique sensory perception of the world! Discover also fun facts about the animal!
This species sheet was produced with the help and proofreading of Laura Warin, Animal Welfare Project Manager at Itavi, and Maryse Guinebretière, Scientific Project Manager for Health/Animal Welfare at Anses.
Keep in mind
- Hens are social animals that live in small family flocks and enjoy interacting and playing with other hens.
- Hens have specific behavioral needs that must be fulfilled to ensure their welfare (perching, pecking, dust bathing, sunbathing, streching wings, etc.).
- Hens are able to memorize and chicks can count to at least 5!
- They detect movement very well, enabling them to spot predators
Key Figure
8h30
It’s the amount of time a hen spends moving around each day!