A 'Letter-Picking Hen' Born at Kaenaedae
Capable of Recognizing Letters and Numbers Through Proper Training
A chicken capable of distinguishing different letters and numbers has been discovered in Canada, drawing attention. Contrary to the stereotype that chickens are low-intelligence creatures, this chicken was trained to recognize specific alphabet or number shapes using appropriate rewards.
On the 1st (local time), the local media outlet 'Nanaimo News' reported that a hen owned by veterinarian Emily Carrington, who lives on Gabriola Island in British Columbia, was named 'the smartest chicken in the world.'
Carrington recently purchased five hens for the purpose of obtaining eggs. However, these hens were different from ordinary chickens. They appeared to recognize colorful letters and number shapes and responded accordingly.
Observing the hens closely, Carrington decided to train them to become 'the smartest chickens in the world.' She told the media, "What these chickens do all day is peck only the numbers or letters I taught them to peck, ignoring other letters," emphasizing, "Even when many letters that are not to be pecked are added, they peck only the instructed letters accurately."
The training method was similar to that used for pets like dogs. When the chicken correctly identified the exact letter or number, it was rewarded with feed. At first, the hens were confused by the array of alphabet letters, but over time, they learned that pecking certain shapes would earn them a reward.
After the chickens became skilled, Carrington decided to submit them to the Guinness World Records. Until now, there was no category for 'the smartest chicken in the world' in the Guinness Book, but a new category was created following Carrington's challenge. In this record attempt, Carrington's hens set the inaugural world record by distinguishing six letters within one minute.
Animal expert Carrington emphasized that this challenge would provide a new perspective on 'bird intelligence.' The phrase 'chicken brain' is often used as an insult to describe a foolish person.
She stated, "Chickens are highly underestimated animals," adding, "In reality, they might be very intelligent animals. Also, other animals we have overlooked might be more intelligent than we thought."
Carrington's hens are expected to enjoy a free 'retirement life' in a local open space instead of producing eggs or being slaughtered. Regarding this, Carrington explained, "It's similar to what people call a 'golden age retirement.'"
Meanwhile, Carrington also runs a YouTube channel called 'The Thinking Chicken' with these hens. The channel covers topics related to the hens' cognitive abilities and intelligence.
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