Understanding the sensory perception of chickens

Publication date: 28/09/2020
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Birte L. Nielsen, INRAE, France

Chapter synopsis: Chickens perceive environmental stimuli via their senses. The affinity and capacity of the different sensory modalities are therefore of paramount importance for the behaviour and welfare of broilers and laying hens, and sensory perception needs to be taken into account when we house and handle domestic poultry. In this chapter, the five major senses of the chicken will be covered. Emphasis is put on the importance of vision, olfaction, taste, hearing and touch for the perception of the environment by the birds, and how different ages and different contexts influence how a chicken responds to its surroundings. Finally, the influence of different sensory inputs is summarised, together with important aspects of the senses for the welfare of chickens.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0078.02