The Measurement of Feeding Activity in Chickens to 8 Weeks of Age

RHYTHMS of activity in the feeding area have been demonstrated by Siegel and Guhl (1956) and Wood-Gush (1959). In the former study photoelectric systems were used to measure the activity of White Leghorn cockerels during the entire 6 week period from 9 to 15 weeks of age, while in the latter investigation time-lapse photography was utilized to study two small flocks of adult birds for 2 and 4 days duration. Direct observation of the flock as a method of measuring diurnal rhythms is difficult, not only because it is time consuming, but also because of the problems involved in recording the observations. Information concerning the use of automatic equipment for the measurement of activity in younger chickens and the relationship of activity in the feeding area with feed consumption are lacking. Also, unavailable are comparisons of the feeding habits of different stocks of chickens. The purpose of this experiment was …