Factors influencing growth of juvenile spruce grouse

Abstract

The influences of date of hatch, and age and prelaying body weight of brood female on the growth rate of juvenile spruce grouse (Canachites canadensis) were studied in central New Brunswick in 1977 and 1978. Because of differential timing of hatch of broods of adult and yearling females, it was not clear whether a difference in juvenile growth rates during 5–14 days of age in 1977 was related to date of hatch, age of brood female, or both. Differences in juvenile growth rates within and between years apparently were not influenced by body weight of brood females prior to egg laying. Results suggest that posthatch factors are more important in determining growth rate than a prehatch or "maternal" influence.