From an Interview with Dr. Ian Duncan, Professor of Poultry Ethology|
University of Guelph
Q: Can chickens and turkeys feel pain?
A: Absolutely. It is indisputable that poultry are capable of feeling
pain. All poultry species are sentient vertebrates and all the available
evidence shows that they have a very similar range of feelings as
mammalian species. Poultry can suffer by feeling pain, fear and stress.
Q: Chickens and turkeys are widely regarded to be of inferior
intelligence, so-called "dumb animals." Is this an accurate assessment
of their intelligence?
A: Not at all. These animals are poorly understood. Turkeys, for
example, do not always do what a turkey grower wants them to, and
therefore they're classified as dumb animals, whereas in fact turkeys
possess marked intelligence. This is revealed by such behavioral indices
as their complex social relationships, and their many different methods
of communicating with each other, both visual and vocal. Chickens, as
well, are far more intelligent than generally regarded, and possess
underestimated cognitive complexity.
Q: Do chickens and turkeys possess distinct personalities?
A: Yes. For example, hens of a modern laying-strain are very similar
genetically, and lay a similar number of eggs. When one looks at their
behavior, however, it is obvious that they do have very distinct
From The State of Poultry Welfare in Canada, 1996. Researched and
written by Animal Action. This 22-page report comprises two segments: An
interview with Dr. Ian Duncan, and an appendix of supplementary
testimony and data from scientific, industry and government sources. It
is available from United Poultry Concerns in hardcopy for $10, payable
in U.S. dollars to United Poultry Concerns, PO Box 150, Machipongo, VA
23405. Add $5 (U.S. currency) for overseas shipping.