Throughout history, humans have been engaged in the training of various animals, including both domestic and wild species. While it is not uncommon to witness the obedience of household pets like cats and dogs, the spectacle of elephants, bears, and even lions performing in circus acts has become a familiar sight. This practice of animal training has often served as a means for humans to delegate tasks that may be time-consuming or daunting for them. Surprisingly, the scope of trainable animals extends beyond the conventional subjects of cats, dogs, and horses, encompassing even the seemingly unlikely candidate of chickens.
An exemplary case in point involves the remarkable abilities of a chicken named Jonggu, whose piano-playing skills have garnered widespread attention on the internet. While initially appearing improbable, the viral video showcasing Jonggu’s rendition of Puccini attests to the unexpected talents of this feathered musician. Despite common misconceptions surrounding the cognitive capabilities of chickens, these birds are indeed susceptible to training. Extensive efforts have been made to train chickens, employing techniques such as food-based conditioning to enable them to discern shapes, sizes, and colors. Notably, the training regimen has been successful in teaching chickens to activate mechanisms, akin to nipple drinkers and feeders, to obtain their sustenance. Additionally, experiments have demonstrated the chickens’ discernment of colors, as evidenced by their ability to distinguish between different grains based on color cues.
While the training of chickens remains a niche pursuit, one prominent figure in this field is the renowned V.L. Durov, who has significantly contributed to the advancement of chicken training methodologies. Notably, a notable piano-playing chicken named Jongu has made a home on a farm in Maryland, where she has demonstrated her musical prowess, guided by illuminated keys. Despite her musical talents, occasional errors are a part of her performances, underscoring her relatable humanity, or rather, avian nature. Moreover, beyond the confines of Maryland, another instance of musical chicken training was documented in China, where a student at a Guizhou agricultural college successfully taught a chicken to play three songs on the piano within a span of three months, as part of an examination assignment pertaining to the psychology of animal behavior.
