In a recent study into animal emotional intelligence, researchers found that not only do chickens express their frustrations through facial blushing and feather-fluffing, but also their fondness for their handlers and their excitement for a little treat. And for each emotional state, their combs and jowls either grow red with excitement or wane pleasantly pink with calm.

“When presented with appetizing feed such as mealworms, the hens did get a bit red but their entire face became scarlet red during negative experiences such as capture. In contrast when they were at rest, their skin appeared much lighter in color,” said the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment in a recent release.

  • southsamurai@sh.itjust.works
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    6 months ago

    I have a marans hen, which was originally a French breed. Haven’t read the article yet, but if you could see her little wattles turn fire engine red whenever she’s scolding a human, the concept of a blushing chicken would not surprise you.

    The only thing more emphatic is her tail twitch/feather ruffle maneuver she saves for when we’ve done something horrible to her, like not giving her every bit of food in the house on demand, or sneezing.

    But I’ll say this much, indoors or out she will be right beside you if she can’t be on your shoulder. Great little companion