How to Read a Chicken's Mind

January 1, 2025

Caughey (How To Speak Chicken) continues to enlighten readers regarding chicken anatomy, behavior, and communication. This accessible guide, geared toward both the backyard hobbyist and the casually curious, will be appropriate in school settings as well as all public libraries. After reviewing background information about chickens, including their evolution from jungle fowl, Caughey explains the meanings of various hen and rooster sounds and describes the different roles assumed by members of a flock. She then describes the body parts of a chicken, both internal and external, and how those impact the ways that chickens interact with the world around them. The clear, informative, and engaging text is accompanied by detailed and clearly labeled drawings, as well as eye-catching photographs with explanatory captions. The final chapter, on chicken psychology, covers the birds' learning and emotions. Although chickens are not generally considered to be intelligent, Caughey uses anecdotes from her flock as well as academic research to craft a convincing case that these birds are able to learn and to express feelings. Back matter includes a list of sources for further reading. VERDICT A delightful dive into the world of chickens.--Judy Poyer

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