Can chickens tell a chicken from other species of birds?

[CabritaChicks]

I’m asking because I have three Rhode Island Reds—about 10 weeks old—and I’m planning to integrate some new chicks into the flock in the next couple of weeks.

My RIRs were raised to be more “lap chicken” types, but they live outdoors full-time, free-ranging during the day and roosting in the coop at night. While watching them free range, I’ve noticed that they sometimes go after the local doves (we have four species on the island, and they’re everywhere—kind of like sparrows on the mainland). The doves will occassionally stand next to them- waiting patiently for some food scraps (and they are pretty doves- purple/blue, etc).

To help with introductions, I’ve occasionally brought the chicks outside while keeping the older pullets in the coop. I place the chicks in a cage so everyone can see each other safely and start getting acquainted.

But here’s what I’m wondering: Can chickens actually tell the difference between another chicken and a completely different bird species?

... Would they be more or less accepting of chickens versus the doves?

 

[Yardmom]

The simple answer is yes, they can tell the difference. That doesn't mean your older chicks will be accepting of the younger chicks. They will need to establish pecking order ect. RIR are not known for being gentle in the process.

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

Yes, they can tell between species.

That’s neither here nor there for whether the older chickens will accept younger chickens. Their acceptance or rejection is based on social factors within their own kind. Sometimes chickens view other chickens as rivals or territorial interlopers.

 

[CabritaChicks]

The simple answer is yes, they can tell the difference. That doesn't mean your older chicks will be accepting of the younger chicks. They will need to establish pecking order ect. RIR are not known for being gentle in the process.

Yes, understood. My RIR's love the parrots, but tolerate/hate the doves, and seem indifferent to the chicks at this time (when I put them on the floor together for 5 minutes at a time). It will be a long process I am sure. I was just curious about volatile compounds (pheromones, etc), and how that plays a role when also considering sight.