Individual variation in play in young chickens – assessment and connection to affective state and personality
Rebecca Oscarsson, Louise Hedlund, Austeja Rutkauskaite, Per Jensen
TL;DR
This study explores individual differences in play behavior among young chickens and how it relates to their personality and emotional state.
Contribution
The study introduces methods to assess play behavior and links it to personality and affective state in chickens.
Findings
Large individual variation in play frequency was observed in chickens.
Play frequency was consistent across different group settings, suggesting a genetic influence.
Food motivation was linked to lower play in females and more optimism in males.
Abstract
The extent of individual variation in play frequency, and its association with affective state and personality is unexplored. We evaluated two different methods to study individual variation: video stimulation and individual consistency across different group constellations. In both cases, the birds were moved from the home pen to identical play arenas, and the play sessions were video recorded. Furthermore, a cognitive judgement bias test was performed, and in one group, personality tests were also performed. Large variation in individual play frequency was observed with both methods. Video stimulation did elicit some play behaviour, but the play frequency was lower than expected, and no social play was observed. Individual play frequency was relatively consistent across test days when chicks were allowed to play in different groups, suggesting a possible genetic influence on play…
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Taxonomy
TopicsAnimal Behavior and Welfare Studies · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Animal Nutrition and Physiology