Behavior Insights

Roosters often get a reputation for aggression, but understanding the underlying causes of their behavior can help backyard keepers manage flocks safely and harmoniously. Aggressive displays by roosters range from assertive posturing and warning calls to more serious pecking or chasing incidents. By learning why roosters behave aggressively, recognizing triggers, and applying appropriate management strategies, … Read more

Chickens use their beaks and mouths in unique ways to eat, drink, vocalize, and interact with their environment. Underlying these behaviors is a lesser-known but important organ: the tongue. In this guide, we delve into whether chickens have tongues, how their tongues are structured, what functions they serve, and what implications this has for feeding, … Read more

Understanding how chickens perceive the world helps keepers optimize feeding, housing, enrichment, and health care. While much attention focuses on vision and hearing in poultry, the role of olfaction—the sense of smell—is often overlooked. In this guide, we explore the anatomy of the chicken’s olfactory system, behavioral evidence of smell use, comparative sensitivity, and practical … Read more

Keeping a single chicken can be rewarding but requires thoughtful management, since chickens are naturally social animals. A solo hen needs extra attention to ensure she remains mentally stimulated, physically healthy, and emotionally content. This guide covers environment setup, enrichment strategies, diet and health considerations, behavior monitoring, safe social interactions, and troubleshooting common issues when … Read more