Pet Chicken Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence

Companionship and emotional support from pets are well known to alleviate loneliness and reduce stress. While dogs and cats are traditionally regarded as the primary sources of comfort for humans, some people have discovered that unconventional pets can provide equally remarkable emotional support. Professor Sonia Kong, a psychologist based in Canada, has made this phenomenon the focus of her research. In her classes, she teaches students how to cultivate healthy relationships with pets and explores how these relationships contribute positively to mental well-being.

Professor Kong herself keeps an unconventional pet—a chicken. She has shared that her chicken plays a crucial role in helping her cope with the pressures of daily life. In an interview with CBC News, she remarked, “I feel that it is incredibly intelligent. It can understand my emotions.”

The chicken, now eleven months old, was sourced from a farm in Prince George, British Columbia, and is named ‘Saturday’. Professor Kong explained, “When I am feeling down, it sits beside me and watches me. Perhaps it is trying to understand what I am feeling, maybe even asking silently why I am upset. This connection means a great deal to me.”

She even brings Saturday along when she ventures into the city, using a specially designed diaper to ensure hygiene and comfort.

Beyond her personal experience, Professor Kong is conducting an online survey at Northern British Columbia University to investigate the impact of pets on the social and emotional development of adolescents. This research is part of an international collaboration with Assistant Professor Tracy Wong at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

On a familial level, the arrangement provides its own amusement. Her parents are still adjusting to the idea of an unconventional pet, often jokingly asking if she plans to eat the chicken. Professor Kong laughs off these comments, saying, “I assure them I never would. It’s my pet. It’s just a matter of cultural differences and humour.”

Saturday the Chicken – Pet Profile

Professor Kong’s experience demonstrates that pets, even unconventional ones, can provide profound emotional support. Her research underscores that animals’ capacity to understand human emotions and alleviate stress is not limited to traditional pets, offering a broader perspective on the value of companionship in maintaining mental health.