The language of hens – how to understand it?
The animal world holds all sorts of secrets. We can look for them literally everywhere and there is a good chance that the results of our search will surprise us. Let us look, for example, at our immediate surroundings: did you know that chickens have developed their own language?
Recent scientific studies have shown that hens, chickens and roosters have developed cognitive abilities (they have the ability to learn and acquire information) and communication skills. Hens communicate with each other using body language or vocal signals. Another way they communicate is by secreting chemicals called pheromones from special glands or by marking an area with urine or faeces. However, what interests us most is their spoken language, in which more than 30 different sounds with distinct meanings are distinguished. With their help, hens express their emotions, raise their chicks, announce food they have found or approach danger.
The language of hens accurately describes their reality, there is no randomness in their noises, they do not noise mindlessly under fear. Their warning sounds vary depending on whether the predator is approaching from the ground or from the air. They respond to predators approaching from the ground with much louder and more frequent voices. A bird that makes a warning sound is trying to draw attention to itself and make the predator aware that the flock is already aware of its presence and is preparing to flee.
The signals that tell of food found are also not uniform. Some indicate that they have just been served a treat, while others indicate that the meal is inedible.
Below you will find some examples of the hen noises with which they attempt to communicate specific content.
Clucking
This is probably the most well-known sound a hen makes
When observing the clucking of hens, you may notice that they seem sort of… hysterical. This is not surprising, as clucking occurs mainly when hens lay eggs or shortly afterwards; they are then very excited. Clucking in young hens that have laid an egg for the first time can also be an expression of a kind of “surprise”. It is also assumed that the clucking hen wants to draw the rooster’s attention to the laid egg.
Cackling
Another sound used by hens is the cackling sound (which can be heard before they lay their eggs, as an expression of their desire to lay an egg at that very moment).
This sound is used by the hens if, for example, the preferred nest is occupied by a higher-ranking mate and the latter does not want to let her into the nest.
In addition, hens express needs in this way, such as to be fed or let out of the coop. The rooster only makes this sound when it is being stalked by a winning rival.
Crowing
Another very typical sound is crowing. It is one of the most characteristic sounds when it comes to this group of birds. After all, who among us has not heard a rooster, especially in rural areas? That’s right!
The sound of crowing, however, is never heard from a hen, as it is a sound made exclusively by roosters.
Contrary to expectations and stereotypes, this sound is not used to wake people up. In the wild, roosters crow to draw attention to themselves, thus showing their confidence and giving a clear message – “look – I’m the one in charge”.
In addition, roosters use their crowing to attract hens. In the wild, it sometimes happens that hens stray too far from the group and never find their way back. Through the rooster’s crowing they regain their orientation in the area and return to the flock.
Hens can scream too!
The screams of hens can be heard when they are attacked by predators or other hens, or when they injure themselves. It is a shrieking cry that can be louder or less loud, depending on the potential threat.
It is worth spending some time with the animals and observing their behaviour, listening to their conversations. You can really learn a lot this way.
The ability to understand and interpret chicken language is a very useful skill for the hen keeper, allowing you to make their lives as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
