Hierarchical structure and feeding behaviors of free-range hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
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Authors
Briden, K.A.
Adams, Nigel
Cameron, Kristie
Adams, Nigel
Cameron, Kristie
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Date
2023-05-09
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Type
Journal Article
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
pecking order
animal behaviour and welfare
pecking order
animal behaviour and welfare
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Briden, K.A., Adams, N.J., & Cameron, K.E. (2023). Hierarchical structure and feeding behaviors of free-range hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). International journal of comparative psychology, 36(1), 1-12. https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6361
Abstract
Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are a social species and will form a hierarchy through agonistic dyadic encounters. This hierarchy will affect how different members of the flock access food, which may affect the specific feeding behaviors of the hens. The hierarchy of a 20-hen flock was determined by analyzing videoed dyadic encounters between the hens and creating a dominance matrix. The feeding behaviors were assessed by simultaneously offering free food via a feeder and food distributed in the grass requiring foraging. Overall, all hens preferred to forage, however, significantly more dominant birds ate at the feeder than neutral or subordinate birds. Foraging is a natural behavior that chickens will innately perform and is related to a positive welfare state. The methodology for determining the flock hierarchy and measuring feeding choices could be tested within the intensive farming environment to elucidate potential effects of dominance on feeding methods in commercial hens.
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University of California eScholarship
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CC BY Attribution 4.0 International