Pecking up optimism: Learning opportunities improve mood for sanctuary-living Cornish cross chickens (2026)

Prasad-Shreckengast, S., Holakovsky, J., Torgerson-White, L.

Abstract

Understanding what influences mood (optimism/pessimism) is crucial in determining whether environments are conducive to positive welfare. This study explores the impact of learning opportunities on mood in Cornish Cross chickens (also known as “broiler chickens”), of which over nine billion individuals are raised annually for meat in the United States. We predicted that access to learning opportunities promotes optimism in these chickens. We conducted yoked-control design experimental trials and two judgment bias tests (baseline and post-experimental) with eight adult sanctuary-living hens. There were significant post-experimental between-group differences in mood, with those who had access to learning opportunities experiencing greater optimism than those who did not. These results suggest that learning and the ability to control access to rewards may contribute positively to the welfare of Cornish Cross chickens.