Download F3 - Attack Responses in Young Domestic Chicks

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND ANIMAL ETHICS COMMITTEE (AEC)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FORM
(For Domestic Fowl, Native Fauna/Wildlife, Domestic Livestock & Laboratory Animals)
Title of Procedure:
Attack Responses in Young Domestic Chicks (F3)
Objective:
To determine the degree of attack response displayed by young chicks.
Details of Procedures:
Individual chicks (7-21 days of age) are placed so that they can see a human finger or
hand thrusted towards them.
In response to the operator’s hand movement the chick may respond by:
 An avert gaze - the chick does not attend to the stimulus, and receives a zero
score;
 A binocular stare - the chick displays binocular fixation of the stimulus such that
the chick’s head tracks the movement of the thrusting hand and the chicks
hackles are raised; the score given is 2;
 Active sparring and an intentional leap is made toward the stimulus - head
movements are directed toward the hand and the chick lifts one leg and extends
it forward; the score is 7.
Drug, Chemicals or Biological Agents:
Nil.
Care of Animals after the Procedure:
Chicks should be returned to their original group or individual cages and cared for as
usual.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills or Training Necessary to Perform this
Procedure:
All operators should be familiar with the behaviour of young chicks and domestic
chickens, as well as handling methods relevant to the species.
Effects of Procedure on Wellbeing of Animals:
Should be nil.
Pain Relief Measures:
Not applicable.
References:
Nil
Prepared by: Ruth Tremont (UNE Director of Animal Welfare), Mr Carl Parsons and
Professor Lesley Rogers (Department of Physiology), 1992/
Reviewed by: Professor Lesley Rogers (Centre for Neuroscience & Animal Behaviour) 2006.