Maternal behavior in the domestic hen: The role of physical contact.

Abstract

In 3 experiments the development of broodiness was studied in relation to restriction of physical contact between hen and chicks. Compared to control Ss, significantly fewer experimental Ss developed broodiness when isolated from physical contact with chicks by confinement in cages adjacent to chicks or above chicks (presumably normal position for brooding) and when contactual ventral surface of Ss was anesthetized to eliminate contact cues. In 3 parallel experiments on the maintenance of broodiness, it was found that Ss do not remain broody as long as control Ss when contact with chicks is eliminated by isolating chicks adjacent to or below Ss or by anesthetizing Ss contactual ventral surface.

Influence of Age of Chicks on Maternal Behaviour in Domestic Hens

“…These results are consistent with previous data showing that maternal responses emerged gradually during sensitization experiments in hens (e.g. The crucial role of ventral tactile contact of the hen with her young in relation to appearance and maintenance of hen maternal behaviour has been previously emphasized (3,6). However, there was an appreciable lag in close proximity and maternal calling for hens maintained with older chicks over the first three days compared with hens maintained with younger ones.…”

Effects of Exposure to Chicks on Maternal Behaviour in Domestic Chickens

“…The results of this experiment confirm previous reports (11,14) that it is possible to induce a rapid onset of maternal responses in hens outside their normal reproductive cycle. However, it is evident that the experimental situation influences the appearance of these responses.…”

“…darkness, restricted space), and agrees with experimental results showing the crucial role of ventral tactile stimulation in the establishment of maternal behaviour (11,15). darkness, restricted space), and agrees with experimental results showing the crucial role of ventral tactile stimulation in the establishment of maternal behaviour (11,15).…”

Maternal behavior in the domestic hen: The role of pretest restriction of movement.

“…A preliminary study (Maier, 1962) indicated that development of broodiness was not affected by manipulating pretest experience. However, observations suggested that the hen's choice of chicks to brood was influenced.…”