Pavlov Experiment (with Chickens)

[CoalLucker]

Pavlov Experiment
(Chickens)​

Train the chickens to run to the coop at the sound of a bell​

Start by ringing the bell and then herd the chickens into the coop giving them cereal/treats upon their arrival to the coop
Do this 1-2 times a day until they start to get the idea of what’s going on
By the end of the experiment the chickens should run into the coop at the sound of the bell​

Getting the chickens to respond this way to the bell could help with danger situations so that it doesn’t take forever to round up each individual chicken​

This will be a long process that will take some time, pictures and videos will follow this post as soon as my research goes underway.
So make sure you stay tuned!​

 

[TalkALittle]

I wouldn't ring the bell and herd them in. Herding them is likely an unpleasant experience for them and they are more likely to scatter and take measures to avoid you if you repeat that pairing.

I'd ring the bell and scatter scratch or mealworms or something else you absolutely know they enjoy right in front of them. Repeat the "ring followed by treats" pattern often right in front of them then ring and treat a short distance away but so they can see the falling treats. They will quickly learn that the bell signals falling treats and to run quickly to where the bell is ringing.

I classically conditioned my chickens to expect treats when they hear me clang the metal lid of the feed bin. It took absolutely zero extra effort on my part. I paired it with a "here chick chick chick" call and they come running for either.

 

[junebuggena]

Chickens are highly food motivated and easily trained. You need to condition them to associate the sound of the bell with yummy treats. You can have them trained to the bell in a matter of days, using treat association.
Herding is more of a fear response, and may cause them to associate the bell with negative things.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Our chickens (for the most part) are trained to follow the sound of feed being shaken in a bucket. The problem I've run into is trying to lure them to a "new" area. They aren't that sure about that.

 

[aart]

Agrees herding them is pretty hard to do....like herding cats....haha!!

Pulling is easier than pushing.

Yep, food is key to 'Pavlovian' training.
I use the 'scratch rattle'.....scratch grains in half gallon milk jug scoop...for my 'bell'.
Or BOSS in plastic pint bottle.

 

[shortgrass]

I just yell "here chook chook" and get attacked lol... It doesn't matter if I even have food anymore; they've become so accustomed to me bringing treats when I go out, they really don't even need me to call them, just have to spot me.

Food, huge motivator. I always use a Red coffee can to scoop feed with, so from chick age up, all they ever learn is: lady with red can= food, then lady= food. They look at me funny if I'm wearing a dress and my "good" coat, but they hear my voice and know its me.

Bell, voice, can... They're totally trainable with just the food, no herding required