Effects of Exposure to Chicks on Maternal Behaviour in Domestic Chickens

Marie-Annick Richard-Yris (1) , Gérard Leboucher (1)

1 URA373 Laboratoire d'Ethologie [Ontogenèse et valeur adaptative des comportements]

Two different procedures were followed to induce maternal behaviour in domestic hens. When chicks were placed under hens during the night, the majority of adults presented maternal behaviour the following morning. When chicks were placed in cages at the beginning of the photophase, maternal responses appeared after a 24 h delay; hens first avoided or were aggressive towards chicks. The results are discussed in terms of hens becoming familiar with auditory, tactile and visual stimuli from chicks.

Keywords: NIGHT PRESENTATION; MATERNAL BEHAVIOUR; DAY PRESENTATION; HEN

Domains: Life Sciences [q-bio]

Marie-Annick Richard-Yris, Gérard Leboucher. Effects of Exposure to Chicks on Maternal Behaviour in Domestic Chickens. Bird Behavior, 1987, 7, pp.31-36. ⟨10.3727/015613887791918150⟩. ⟨hal-01327746⟩