Social Behavior of the Domestic Fowl

Abstract

Studies of feral animals are an ideal for the biologist. As contrasted with a laboratory situation, they are time consuming due to wildness, disperal of individuals, and often concealment. Experimentation is limited and for many species there is little known about their physiology. When such animals are brought into the laboratory for detail study their behavior is often modified. Domestic animals, such as chickens, are suitable for laboratory experimentation, and there is a wealth of information on their care, physiology and genetics. Data on their behavior can be quantitative and qualitative. Observations on their feral progenitors, the Asian Junglefowl suggest that apart from wildness and broodiness domestication has not changed basic behavior patterns (Collias and Collias, 1967).