How long can a chicken remember you?

[ThePRfan]

Im mostly away for a week,then visit them on breaks or weekend.
I am pretty sure they have a long term memory,because mines recognize me all the time,but is this because I raised them from chicks?
Just curious.....

 

[sordi3]

Mine know me, and my car. They run to greet me from about 600 yards away when i pull up. They have no reaction for my husband...i bring the food and cuddles though

 

[lazy gardener]

I have no doubt that they know individual people. I also think they have a much better understanding of body language, and verbal language than we give them credit for. Lately, when I go out to lock up for the night, and check for any late eggs (there's almost always one) they don't even jump down off the perch. They seem to know that that last visit does not come with any treats. However, when I visit earlier in the evening, they come bouncing down off the perches.

 

[justplainbatty]

Chickens can recognize up to 200 other flock mates so they certainly recognize you! I was away from my chickens for over a year. When I finally came back, I called out to them and they came running from afield and ate sunflower seeds out of my hand as if I had never been gone.
They know your voice, your shape and the way you move. They won't be forgetting you any time soon.

 

[TalkALittle]

Chickens can recognize up to 200 flockmates

Wow! If this is, in fact, true it would be amazing. Can you cite the source of this information? Is there a study to support the claim? Are they recognizing vocalizations? Physical characteristics? Or something else? What behavior(s)/response(s) were used as an indication of recognition? I believe there have been studies conducted on memory and recognition in larger parrot species but one on chickens would be awesome. Can you tell I'm fascinated by animal behavior?

 

[Monguire]

Can you cite the source of this information? Is there a study to support the claim? Are they recognizing vocalizations? Physical characteristics? Or something else?

I stumbled upon this video by accident almost a year ago. While likely not THE source, that 200 figure is also referenced in there if i recall correctly. Good info and one of the best chickens-for-beginners finds I could have stumbled upon.

 

[justplainbatty]

Wow! If this is, in fact, true it would be amazing. Can you cite the source of this information? Is there a study to support the claim? Are they recognizing vocalizations? Physical characteristics? Or something else? What behavior(s)/response(s) were used as an indication of recognition? I believe there have been studies conducted on memory and recognition in larger parrot species but one on chickens would be awesome. Can you tell I'm fascinated by animal behavior?

I cannot remember the source but I read it in either a book or magazine about chickens. Here is another cool piece of info about chicken eyes.http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/10/do-you-see-what-i-see-12-fascinating.html
Note the part about the "disco ball" and remember to never use cfl lighting in a coop!

 

[justplainbatty]

I stumbled upon this video by accident almost a year ago. While likely not THE source, that 200 figure is also referenced in there if i recall correctly. Good info and one of the best chickens-for-beginners finds I could have stumbled upon.

Very good video, lots of good observations. Great for chicken beginners!