Following and Imprinting: Effects of Light and Social Experience

Abstract

Ninety-six Vantress broiler chicks were used in two studies of the effects of light and social experience on the "following" response. In addition, the animals used in one study were later tested to determine the amount of imprinting during following. The difference between the behavior of these animals and animals maintained in isolation and in darkness prior to exposure to a model, indicate that variability in treatment can influence the following behavior, and that following in itself cannot be equated with imprinting.