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> I believe all birds and mammals have a pretty good "theory of mind", it's just hard to do an experiment to prove it Our pet bird (sun conure) actively tries
by Swizec 2y ago
> I believe all birds and mammals have a pretty good "theory of mind", it's just hard to do an experiment to prove it
Our pet bird (sun conure) actively tries to lie and mislead when he's doing something naughty. Like he will go into the pantry to steal treats and quickly fly out pretending he wasn't in there when he hears you approaching.
This indicates he has some theory of mind. He has to understand there's a difference between what he knows and what we know, otherwise he wouldn't try to hide or obscure his actions.
And yes there is research showing/arguing that birds have theory of mind --> https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144146926.pdf https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/144146926.pdf
- mangomountain 2y agoSun conjures are so smart this makes me smile :)
- Swizec 2y agoIt gets better! He has learned that when he is naughty we will tell him to stop. If he doesn’t, we will eventually get up to come over and make him stop (shoo him away). So now he uses that when he needs us to open a door. Threatening to be naughty is the most effective way to get human to come over. Then you fly to the door and human gets the message and opens door. Or treat box or whatever you want help with. Little shits
- roarcher 2y agoI used to have a cat like this. He loved to drink out of the toilet bowl, which he knew he wasn't supposed to do. I would hear him lapping up the water and as I approached the bathroom he would quickly exit, almost but not quite running so as to not look too guilty, head held low and giving me a side eye like he was trying to see if I knew what he was doing in there.