Territorial Behavior and Social Interactions of Pullets Kept in Large Flocks ,

Abstract

INTRODUCTION TERRITORIAL behavior has been observed in a variety of forms in vertebrate animals, from fishes through primates (Carpenter, 1958). Investigators of territoriality in birds, working under natural conditions, generally stress the role of the male in defending an area against intrusion of other males of the same species. Conspicuous displays and vocalizations commonly serve to keep other males from entering an occupied territory without the necessity of physical encounters. They often have the additional effect of attracting one or more sexually mature females. Territoriality has implications relative to natural selection, as it increases the probability of successful reproduction, reduced predation and an adequate food supply for socially dominant males, their mates and progeny. Collias et al. (1966) found that flocks of an unconfined population of Red Jungle Fowl in the San Diego Zoo showed extreme territorial fixation. Dominant cocks within flocks associated with one to several hens, while subordinate…