Feeding behaviour of domestic chicks in a novel environment: Effects of food deprivation and sex

Abstract

Sex differences in responses to novelty with particular reference to feeding activity were examined in the present study. Male and female domestic chicks (7- and 8-days-old) were observed in a modified home cage and in an open field or novel environment after experiencing either deprivation of food or continuous access to food. Previous reports that females show more activity and vocalisation and less sitting and eye-closure than males in fearful situations were confirmed in the tests with no deprivation but these sex differences were distorted in the deprivation tests by high feeding actibity. Following deprivation of food, females fed sooner and fed more than males both in the home cage and the open field. These results provide further evidemce that the female chick is less fearful than the male. The relevance of the hypothesis that behavioural persistence is increased by testosterone and its theoretical implications regarding normal sex differences in behaviour are questioned because, in fact, females showed longer feeding bouts than males. It is suggested that persistence, of feeding at least, in young chicks is not influenced by natural levels of androgens.