During homing contests, racing pigeons (Columba livia) are transported
to their release site under crowded conditions. Behaviour and thermog
enesis under these conditions were studied in two experiments. In the
first experiment, temperature (26 degrees C or 36 degrees C) and water
availability (access or deprived) had no significant effect on either
behaviour or heat production of old male pigeons. However, the freque
ncy of threatening behaviour and the proportion of activity-related he
at production in total heat production increased during the 23-hour ex
perimental period, whereas no decrease in aggressive behaviour was fou
nd. In the second experiment the effect of testing age (young or old)
and sex (male or female) were considered in relation to behaviour and
thermogenesis. Young pigeons were more immobile than old pigeons, but
heat production was lower in old pigeons. Male groups had a higher act
ivity-related heat production and had more head injuries resulting fro
m pecking than females. Again, no decrease in aggressive behaviour or
changes in behaviour patterns over time were found. Body-weight at the
start of the experiment was predictive of subsequent behaviour in the
crate. A higher body-weight was related to more threatening behaviour
, less displacement and less head injuries. The consistent level of ag
gressive behaviour over time, causing predictable head injuries, indic
ates that a 'ceiling effect' in adaptation is reached under crowded tr
ansport conditions. To improve pigeon welfare, serious considerations
must be given to transporting racing pigeons under less crowded condit
ions.