Effects of Exposure to Chicks on Maternal Behaviour in Domestic Chickens

International audienceTwo 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