Environment also plays a role. In general, the free range chickens and the Asiatic breeds best adapted to the free range, exhibit the most intelligence.
Yes, I think hens gossip, but I'm inclined to think what you interpreted to laughter was nothing more than a group reaction. Hens will cackle when they lay an egg. They will also cackle when other hens cackle. They may even give a short cackle of satisfaction when their favorite rooster mounts them. And they will resist when a rooster they don't care for tries.
Said rooster may even get a beat-down by their favorite rooster.
“Said rooster may even get a beat-down by their favorite rooster.”
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Where I live, Roosters are a favorite pet of the men.
There are about six of them tethered next door, within 20 feet of where I am sitting. Cock fighting is a favorite men’s sport in the Philippines, even though I rarely see it.
One does not need an alarm clock here, as the roosters are in full cry at the first hint of dawn.
...and capons speak with a distinct lisp.
Having grown up around chickens I think they’re as intelligent as almost any other birds. However; if you want really smart birds you’re talking CROWS. Remarkable birds. I had several as pets. My father found them while out hunting. ..babies that had fallen out of their nests.