Social Attraction to Older Birds by Domestic Chicks

Abstract

Young broiler chicks were placed in groups with one older bird, and we observed whether they tended to follow the older chicken and imitate its activities. In all groups, organizations based on leaderships clearly appeared. The older bird initiated most activities in all groups. Imitation of older birds by younger ones was found in both males and females. Chicks tended, however, to imitate young hens more often than young cockerels.