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How to Read a Chicken's Mind: Understand How Chickens Learn, Perceive People, Express Emotions, and Pass Down Knowledge
Best-selling author Melissa Caughey leads readers into the surprisingly complex thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of the world's most common bird.
Backyard chicken keepers delight in learning all they can about their beloved flocks. Best-selling author and backyard chicken keeper Melissa Caughey shares her years of experience with and research about our feathered friends with this entertaining and informative exploration of what chickens think and feel. From chick days to the golden stage of "henopause," Caughey offers insights into the range of emotions that chickens can express, their unexpected intelligence, different personality types, and the complexities of flock dynamics.
Backyard chicken keepers delight in learning all they can about their beloved flocks. Best-selling author and backyard chicken keeper Melissa Caughey shares her years of experience with and research about our feathered friends with this entertaining and informative exploration of what chickens think and feel. From chick days to the golden stage of "henopause," Caughey offers insights into the range of emotions that chickens can express, their unexpected intelligence, different personality types, and the complexities of flock dynamics.
- GenresNonfictionNatureAnimals
128 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
8 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 28, 2024
Backyard chicken raisers will adore this unique book that shares everything you'd want to know about how the creatures think, what they feel, and how they interact in flocks. Fascinating!
January 1, 2025
The book, enriched by the author's own experiences and observations, makes for a quick and enjoyable read. Its nice layout, complemented by beautiful photos, adds to the overall appeal.
The content touches on various aspects of chicken behavior, anatomy, and social structures. However, while the anecdotal elements and observations are delightful, the book falls short when it comes to scientific depth. The information presented often feels surface-level, and it is sometimes unclear whether certain claims are based on research or circumstantial evidence.
In summary, How to Read a Chicken's Mind serves as a charming and informative starting point for anyone interested in chickens, though readers seeking a more science-focused exploration may find it lacking.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Storey publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The content touches on various aspects of chicken behavior, anatomy, and social structures. However, while the anecdotal elements and observations are delightful, the book falls short when it comes to scientific depth. The information presented often feels surface-level, and it is sometimes unclear whether certain claims are based on research or circumstantial evidence.
In summary, How to Read a Chicken's Mind serves as a charming and informative starting point for anyone interested in chickens, though readers seeking a more science-focused exploration may find it lacking.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and Storey publishing in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
Interesting!! Its fast pace made it an easy read, and I enjoyed reading about the author’s own flock. However, the title seems a bit misleading (no, not because it didn’t literally teach me ‘how to read a chickens mind’) but more because the focus seems to be more on what we think of chickens, rather than how chickens think..
It describes how people tend to think chickens as unintelligent (which is disproved throughout the book) and often seemed like more of a criticism of treatment in commercial farms/settings (inadequate housing/activity, and breed differences being described primarily through negative attributes). I can see the point she seemed to be making (when we see chickens as more intelligent, we’re more likely to be treat them better), but that could’ve been better explained/outlined.
Additionally, for each point she makes for chickens’ intelligence, it’s described through how her own chickens demonstrate these qualities, but I would’ve liked to know more about other studies, research, and flocks.
For example, one section describes vocalizations she’s come to recognize from her flock. They’re spelled out (literally) and she ‘translates’ what she thinks is communicated. (This part was especially difficult to read, as someone who doesn’t have chickens (yet)- do these sounds ring familiar to anyone who does? I overall felt I’m missing a lot of background knowledge needed to fully understand.) But, this led me to further question:
- Are these vocalizations shared between flocks?
- Do they change over time?
- Do new chickens introduced to the flock pick up on existing vocalizations or do they add new ones to the existing flock’s ‘vocabulary’? (She does describe how newly hatched chickens will pick up on the flock’s vocalizations- which was neat! But leaves a lot unexplained.)
- Which ‘terms’ are first to be learned? What rewards/incentives are involved with each?
Overall, I found the book interesting, but left a lot to be desired, as it seemed more like a memoir of the author’s experiences observing her flock and how they challenged the stereotypes surrounding chickens - which was interesting! (Just not what I was expecting..)
It describes how people tend to think chickens as unintelligent (which is disproved throughout the book) and often seemed like more of a criticism of treatment in commercial farms/settings (inadequate housing/activity, and breed differences being described primarily through negative attributes). I can see the point she seemed to be making (when we see chickens as more intelligent, we’re more likely to be treat them better), but that could’ve been better explained/outlined.
Additionally, for each point she makes for chickens’ intelligence, it’s described through how her own chickens demonstrate these qualities, but I would’ve liked to know more about other studies, research, and flocks.
For example, one section describes vocalizations she’s come to recognize from her flock. They’re spelled out (literally) and she ‘translates’ what she thinks is communicated. (This part was especially difficult to read, as someone who doesn’t have chickens (yet)- do these sounds ring familiar to anyone who does? I overall felt I’m missing a lot of background knowledge needed to fully understand.) But, this led me to further question:
- Are these vocalizations shared between flocks?
- Do they change over time?
- Do new chickens introduced to the flock pick up on existing vocalizations or do they add new ones to the existing flock’s ‘vocabulary’? (She does describe how newly hatched chickens will pick up on the flock’s vocalizations- which was neat! But leaves a lot unexplained.)
- Which ‘terms’ are first to be learned? What rewards/incentives are involved with each?
Overall, I found the book interesting, but left a lot to be desired, as it seemed more like a memoir of the author’s experiences observing her flock and how they challenged the stereotypes surrounding chickens - which was interesting! (Just not what I was expecting..)
June 5, 2025
This book is an introductory look into chicken behavior and thinking about chickens as more than just a source of meat or eggs. Anyone who has spent a decent amount of time observing poultry won't be surprised by the contents of this book.
It briefly introduces and discusses a wide range of poultry behavior topics, from the sensory capabilities of chickens to their vocal communications, common behaviors, and cognitive abilities. While some research studies are mentioned, and a handful are cited in the back, but most of the suppositions are presented alongside anecdotal stories from the author's flock.
As someone who has read a fair amount about the care and keeping of chickens, as well as many books on bird behavior, anatomy and evolution, this book didnt have any new information to offer me. It is clearly meant to be introductory and help promote interest in chickens to those without much experience with them. I found myself feeling frustrated with how short the sections were and how briefly they touched on the subject.
It briefly introduces and discusses a wide range of poultry behavior topics, from the sensory capabilities of chickens to their vocal communications, common behaviors, and cognitive abilities. While some research studies are mentioned, and a handful are cited in the back, but most of the suppositions are presented alongside anecdotal stories from the author's flock.
As someone who has read a fair amount about the care and keeping of chickens, as well as many books on bird behavior, anatomy and evolution, this book didnt have any new information to offer me. It is clearly meant to be introductory and help promote interest in chickens to those without much experience with them. I found myself feeling frustrated with how short the sections were and how briefly they touched on the subject.
August 1, 2024
Previously, there is very little that I could tell you about chickens.
After reading this delightful book, I will look upon them and listen to them with a whole new interest.
A short read but full of fascinating facts, a little humour and some absolutely gorgeous pictures.
This was so interesting, I actually wanted the book to be a little longer.
After reading this delightful book, I will look upon them and listen to them with a whole new interest.
A short read but full of fascinating facts, a little humour and some absolutely gorgeous pictures.
This was so interesting, I actually wanted the book to be a little longer.
January 31, 2025
Do chickens think? Are they capable of complex emotions? Or are they simply " bird brained"?
How to Read a Chicken's Mind delves into these topics and more, providing valuable insight into the world of these feathered fowl. From coop behaviours to deciphering calls to empathy and self awareness, this book explores what many chicken-tenders already know: that poultry are far more intelligent than the world credits them.
This book not only includes the author's own observations of their flock after many years of raising chickens; there is scientific backing to the theories presented, and anecdotes to support them.
A fascinating, accessible read for poultry enthusiasts!
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
How to Read a Chicken's Mind delves into these topics and more, providing valuable insight into the world of these feathered fowl. From coop behaviours to deciphering calls to empathy and self awareness, this book explores what many chicken-tenders already know: that poultry are far more intelligent than the world credits them.
This book not only includes the author's own observations of their flock after many years of raising chickens; there is scientific backing to the theories presented, and anecdotes to support them.
A fascinating, accessible read for poultry enthusiasts!
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
June 13, 2025
I love my chickens. I love reading about chickens, about other chicken-tenders experiences with their chickens, about the history of chicken-tending, about the change from backyard chickens to industrial chicken farming and the current interest in backyard chickens. I just really love them. I was stoked when I finally convinced Jesse to get a few chickens in 2023. Melissa Caughey's book How to Speak Chicken: Why Your Chickens Do What They Do & Say What They Say was one of the first I read once we got our first chicks. It focuses on becoming one with the flock, learning how to communicate with them, how to translate their boks, etc. The new book is more about how chickens might perceive us, how they communicate with each other, the dynamic of a flock, etc. BUT there is a lot of overlap -- they're both about chicken behavior and they're both fun little breaks from the heavier (physically and mentally) books I've read. I've read both of these page by page, definitely not something I've done with either of my other chicken guides (The Chicken Encyclopedia: An Illustrated Reference or Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens: Breed Selection, Facilities, Feeding, Health Care, Managing Layers Meat Birds). They are great reads for anyone interested in getting to know their chickens better; and at under 200 pages with lots of great photos, perfect for someone who isn't a huge reader OR perfect for a young reader.
More Chicken Time:
More Chicken Time:
January 26, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Melissa Caughey's "How to Read a Chicken's Mind" is a delightful and insightful journey into the fascinating world of these often-underappreciated creatures. Caughey, a seasoned chicken keeper and keen observer, skillfully unravels the complex inner lives of her feathered friends, revealing surprising depths of intelligence, emotion, and social interaction.
This book is a captivating blend of scientific observation and heartfelt anecdotes. Caughey masterfully translates chicken behavior into human terms, making their motivations, emotions, and social dynamics surprisingly relatable. She explores topics ranging from chicken communication and learning to their unique personalities and social hierarchies, all presented with a charming blend of humor and scientific rigor.
"How to Read a Chicken's Mind" fosters a deeper connection with these remarkable creatures. Caughey encourages readers to observe their own chickens with a newfound curiosity and empathy, leading to a richer and more rewarding relationship with their flock.
Personally, as soon as it is released I will be buying a copy for an adult neice who keeps chickens, which is why I asked to review this book first.
Points of contention:
* Some may find the anthropomorphism excessive. While Caughey effectively uses human analogies to explain chicken behavior, some readers might find the frequent attribution of human emotions to chickens to be... Slightly overly simplistic.
"How to Read a Chicken's Mind" is a captivating and enlightening read for anyone fascinated by animal behavior or simply seeking to deepen their connection with their feathered friends.
Caughey's engaging writing style and insightful observations will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intelligence and complexity of these remarkable creatures.
I will be purchasing a copy.
Melissa Caughey's "How to Read a Chicken's Mind" is a delightful and insightful journey into the fascinating world of these often-underappreciated creatures. Caughey, a seasoned chicken keeper and keen observer, skillfully unravels the complex inner lives of her feathered friends, revealing surprising depths of intelligence, emotion, and social interaction.
This book is a captivating blend of scientific observation and heartfelt anecdotes. Caughey masterfully translates chicken behavior into human terms, making their motivations, emotions, and social dynamics surprisingly relatable. She explores topics ranging from chicken communication and learning to their unique personalities and social hierarchies, all presented with a charming blend of humor and scientific rigor.
"How to Read a Chicken's Mind" fosters a deeper connection with these remarkable creatures. Caughey encourages readers to observe their own chickens with a newfound curiosity and empathy, leading to a richer and more rewarding relationship with their flock.
Personally, as soon as it is released I will be buying a copy for an adult neice who keeps chickens, which is why I asked to review this book first.
Points of contention:
* Some may find the anthropomorphism excessive. While Caughey effectively uses human analogies to explain chicken behavior, some readers might find the frequent attribution of human emotions to chickens to be... Slightly overly simplistic.
"How to Read a Chicken's Mind" is a captivating and enlightening read for anyone fascinated by animal behavior or simply seeking to deepen their connection with their feathered friends.
Caughey's engaging writing style and insightful observations will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intelligence and complexity of these remarkable creatures.
I will be purchasing a copy.
July 19, 2024
I love chickens: I have a veritable rainbow of ceramic ones in my kitchen, a growing collection of chicken books, and generally find them such interesting wee birds… so, when I saw this on NetGalley, I had to check it out! 🐔
This is a beautifully presented book with wonderful pictures, a great layout, and a simplistic style that combines lite science with the author’s experience and hypotheses.
The science is a bit thin on the ground for what readers might expect from a nature book. The book does cover some history, anatomy, social and community structures, but it’s all quite surface level. For the research quoted, and claims made, I think the book would have benefited from a more comprehensive bibliography (maybe with footnotes?) so readers could explore and dive deeper.
The author’s experience and stories were a delight to read! I almost wish Caughey had focused on these stories rather than wandering into the anthropomorphization of chickens in the personality and traits section, the chicken souls section, and some of the circumstantial evidence presented as fact.
Ultimately, this is a fast read and introduction to chickens and the joy that they can bring to those who steward their care. Caughey’s personal anecdotes are wonderful and her love of these magnificent birds shines though in the book! If you’re looking for a more in-depth dive into chicken communication, social structures, and research into chicken’s emotions, you might not take as much away from this. Scientists among us might find the conclusions the author jumps to… questionable at times too.
Content warning: some of the experiments covered and detail about the treatment of exploited chickens on factory farms make for some difficult reading.
I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much, Storey Publishing!
This is a beautifully presented book with wonderful pictures, a great layout, and a simplistic style that combines lite science with the author’s experience and hypotheses.
The science is a bit thin on the ground for what readers might expect from a nature book. The book does cover some history, anatomy, social and community structures, but it’s all quite surface level. For the research quoted, and claims made, I think the book would have benefited from a more comprehensive bibliography (maybe with footnotes?) so readers could explore and dive deeper.
The author’s experience and stories were a delight to read! I almost wish Caughey had focused on these stories rather than wandering into the anthropomorphization of chickens in the personality and traits section, the chicken souls section, and some of the circumstantial evidence presented as fact.
Ultimately, this is a fast read and introduction to chickens and the joy that they can bring to those who steward their care. Caughey’s personal anecdotes are wonderful and her love of these magnificent birds shines though in the book! If you’re looking for a more in-depth dive into chicken communication, social structures, and research into chicken’s emotions, you might not take as much away from this. Scientists among us might find the conclusions the author jumps to… questionable at times too.
Content warning: some of the experiments covered and detail about the treatment of exploited chickens on factory farms make for some difficult reading.
I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thank you so much, Storey Publishing!
July 27, 2024
I will preface my review in saying that I am a chicken-lover. I started with 6 "hens" - one ended up being a rooster - and chicken-math has brought me to a current total of 14. When I saw the quirky chicken faces on the cover of How to Read a Chicken's Mind I was instantly intrigued and knew it belonged on my bookshelf!
What a delight to read! Melissa Caughey presents us with a full-color exploration of our favorite furry friends. She gives us basic history and anatomy lessons, explaining how chickens are the last living dinosaurs that originated from jungle-fowl. We are able to learn many fun things about how they communicate and how we, as people, can develop loving and lasting relationships with chickens.
I love reading about the mannerisms of chickens because although they each have distinct personalities, they also share many characteristics. This book is a great introduction to chickens and is an easy read. There are resources at the end for further reading, which is a nice supplement to this quick read. One critique I have is I wish there were more personal stories, as I love reading about all the fun adventures we have as chicken owners.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, Storey Publishing, LLC, and the author Melissa Caughey for an ARC of How to Read a Chicken's Mind in exchange for an honest review!
What a delight to read! Melissa Caughey presents us with a full-color exploration of our favorite furry friends. She gives us basic history and anatomy lessons, explaining how chickens are the last living dinosaurs that originated from jungle-fowl. We are able to learn many fun things about how they communicate and how we, as people, can develop loving and lasting relationships with chickens.
I love reading about the mannerisms of chickens because although they each have distinct personalities, they also share many characteristics. This book is a great introduction to chickens and is an easy read. There are resources at the end for further reading, which is a nice supplement to this quick read. One critique I have is I wish there were more personal stories, as I love reading about all the fun adventures we have as chicken owners.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, Storey Publishing, LLC, and the author Melissa Caughey for an ARC of How to Read a Chicken's Mind in exchange for an honest review!
August 9, 2025
How to Read a Chicken’s Mind is a warm, engaging exploration into the inner lives of chickens, offering insights into their intelligence, personalities, and complex communication systems. The author, Mellissa Caughey, blends scientific research with personal observation, making the subject both accessible and compelling for readers who may never have looked at chickens as anything beyond barnyard creatures or sources of food.
Before reading this book, my understanding of chickens was minimal. Growing up in Vietnam, my maternal grandparents kept a flock that my grandmother faithfully tended. They were part of our daily life and, ultimately, a source of food for the family. Even then, I held the belief that every living thing—whether plant or animal—possesses consciousness and an inner life. It does not surprise me to learn that chickens can recognize names or use a sophisticated array of sounds to communicate.
This book served as an easy and accessible doorway into that world. I am grateful to MelissaCaughey for sharing her knowledge and making it possible for me to see chickens not only through memory and necessity, but also with fresh curiosity and respect. My only complaint—if it can be called that—is that I wish the book had been longer.
January 30, 2025
This book was delightful! We are a 4H family and show chickens in local fairs, so chicken keeping is near and dear to our hearts. This book is a great mix of both the author's personal experiences and the layman's scientific breakdown of chickens. This book offers knowledge of chickens as a whole and a more personalized overview via the author's stories with her flock. The "Using Fowl Language" section was the most fun to read with my boys as we went out together and tried to understand the clucks and crows of our chickens. The photographs throughout the book were a bonus as well. For anyone who doesn't have chickens, this is a very insightful read into what they can offer other than eggs. Just know "chicken math" is a real thing, and you will end up with way more than you initially intended :)
Thank you so much to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2025
This is a very quick read with tons of great photos all about how chickens minds work. The term "bird brain" is usually an insult and comes from how small birds brains are in relation to other animal brains. But there is a lot going on in a chicken's brain. Melissa Caughey covers 4 areas - how chickens and humans have interacted throughout history, how chickens communicate with each other, how chickens experience the world, and "chicken psychology" - what might be going on in a chicken's mind. If you've ever owned chickens you know they can be very smart and also each have their own personalities. They are MUCH more entertaining that you might imagine. This was a really quick read that gave a lot of good information about chickens and what might be going on in their minds.
February 24, 2025
Delightful, informative, and a lot of fun to read, this was a great little book and a great introduction to the minds of chickens. Of course, if you wanted the real "crash course" on raising these birds, I'd also read How to Speak Chicken: Why Your Chickens Do What They Do & Say What They Say to help round out your education!
August 10, 2025
I found this book on display in my library and having kept and loved chickens for many years, I decided to see what more I could learn about them. This book is mostly unscientific observations and very silly ones at that. Especially when she asserts that one of her chickens “named” her, (Bup, bup, bup, baahhh), and then taught that “name” to younger generations of hens. In other words, this is a common sound that chickens make and she associates it with herself. If you want scientific facts about chickens, this isn’t it.
August 17, 2024
A fantastic book with lots of funny anecdotes and interesting facts. My husband and I sat and made all the different noises and compared them to what our chickens say and it was spot on! Just hope the neighbors didn't hear us. Beautiful photos, very insightful and cleverly written as well. Highly recommend to anyone knows what chicken math is.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free preview of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free preview of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 9, 2025
Wonderful
There is a something particularly wonderful being part of a flock of chickens. And Ms Caughey is able to convey the extra life richness she's found from her flockmates. Along with sharing with us some of the richness of being a chicken
There is a something particularly wonderful being part of a flock of chickens. And Ms Caughey is able to convey the extra life richness she's found from her flockmates. Along with sharing with us some of the richness of being a chicken
February 15, 2025
Very Nice book for chicken lovers and for people who want to know more about them.
I hope it opens our consciousness on the uniqueness of any living beings and animals, starting with chickens
Facts and lovely stories observed by the author. Wonderful pictures
I hope it opens our consciousness on the uniqueness of any living beings and animals, starting with chickens
Facts and lovely stories observed by the author. Wonderful pictures
August 18, 2024
First off, I have to say that I absolutely loved this short book. It was spot on in every way. I have a flock of 38 (including 12 new surprise babies I found in the barn with Miss Debbie Harry couple of weeks ago!) Chicken math is real, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Luckily, we have plenty of room for them. But I was absolutely delighted to see all the intricacies of chicken temperaments and personalities addressed. It is true, they are all very different little creatures. And I was so excited to see the mention of the Ayam Cemani breed. Half of my flock are Ayam crosses.
And talking about personality, different every one of them. Most of my “kids” run out to me every morning to get their treats and feed, including the roosters! One of my hens, my seven-year-old Americauna El Pollo Loco screams at me whenever she sees me. I’m quite sure she is not saying nice things. But then there’s Rocky, who I saved from being attacked by her mother as she was hatching. Every time she sees me, she insists on sitting in my lap. Some of them prefer to eat out of my hand and some just want me to throw their scratch at my feet. But the coolest thing about them is that they do remember things. Every single chicken I’ve saved from some sickness like sour crop or vitamin deficiency or even an attack remembers the hands on care that I’ve given them. When before they might have been skittish with me, they are now trusting and follow me around. They’ve associated me with safety and health. They really are like feathered dogs. Everyone I know calls me the Crazy Chicken Lady, and maybe that’s true. But these little guys and gals truly do bring me happiness. It’s nice to see a book address how awesome they are!
Huge thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
And talking about personality, different every one of them. Most of my “kids” run out to me every morning to get their treats and feed, including the roosters! One of my hens, my seven-year-old Americauna El Pollo Loco screams at me whenever she sees me. I’m quite sure she is not saying nice things. But then there’s Rocky, who I saved from being attacked by her mother as she was hatching. Every time she sees me, she insists on sitting in my lap. Some of them prefer to eat out of my hand and some just want me to throw their scratch at my feet. But the coolest thing about them is that they do remember things. Every single chicken I’ve saved from some sickness like sour crop or vitamin deficiency or even an attack remembers the hands on care that I’ve given them. When before they might have been skittish with me, they are now trusting and follow me around. They’ve associated me with safety and health. They really are like feathered dogs. Everyone I know calls me the Crazy Chicken Lady, and maybe that’s true. But these little guys and gals truly do bring me happiness. It’s nice to see a book address how awesome they are!
Huge thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
June 21, 2025
If you love chickens and want to learn more about these wonderful birds, this is a fun book filled with lots of beautiful pictures and interesting facts! Quick read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews