DISCRIMINATION OF GROUP MEMBERS BY LAYING HENS GALLUS-DOMESTICUS

Two experiments were performed to test if hens could discriminate between conspecifics in learning experiments. In experiment 1, three adult hens were trained to discriminate between a member of their own social group and a member of a neighbouring group. Only one test bird showed evidence of discrimination above conventional levels of significance. In experiment 2, three hens were trained to discriminate between two members from their own social group. All test birds showed strong evidence of discrimination above conventional levels of significance indicating that laying hens are able to discriminate between members of their own social group.