The development of sexual relationships in the domestic chicken

Abstract

Mixed sex groups of chickens were observed from hatching until 25 weeks of age, to determine the behavioural factors responsible for the association between status and mating activity, and to describe the development of sexual relationships. Factor analysis showed no association between sexual activity and the status of either cocks or hens, perhaps because these were young birds. A high frequency of treading occurred in social relationships where the male chased the female frequently, or where the male waltzed to the female frequently. Treadings most often resulted from crouchings by the females, chasing the female, and previous treadings by other males. Sexual preferences between particular pairs of individuals were noted, but this was not due to dissortive mating with regard to status. Throughout development, aggressive behaviour was more frequent between individuals of the same sex, but there was a marked distinction between inter- and intrasex aggression.