Abstract

An animal can be said to teach if, at some cost or at least without obtaining an immediate benefit for itself, it modifies its behaviour in the presence of a naı̈ve observer, such that the observer acquires a skill more efficiently than it might otherwise do. An important theoretical issue is the extent to which the demonstrator's behaviour is sensitive to the improving skill level of the observer. This study determined whether domestic hens, Gallus gallus domesticus, were sensitive to feeding errors by their chicks. The feeding displays of 12 hens were studied in two contexts: (1) in the presence of chicks that fed on a food colour that was palatable to the hen, and hence made no apparent feeding errors and (2) in the presence of chicks that fed on a food colour that was unpalatable to the hen, and hence made apparent feeding errors. Both groups of chicks, in reality, fed on palatable food. Hens responded more intensely to chicks that made apparent feeding errors. Hens increased the rate of ground pecking and scratching when they had no food available, and increased the rate of food pecking (although not food ingestion) when they were given food. It is suggested that hens are sensitive to perceived chick error, and that the costs of increased display intensity are balanced by the benefits of attracting chicks to more profitable food items.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.