Development of dustbathing behavior sequences in the domestic fowl: The significance of functional experience

The development of the sequential structure of dustbathing bouts was studie d in domestic egg-layer chicks from hatching until 23 days of age using a f irst order Markov chain model analysis. Chicks were reared either with acce ss to sand ("sann chicks ") or on a wire floor ("wire chicks"). All chicks in both groups developed a basic structure of the elements pecking, bill ra king, ground scratching, vertical wingshaking, head robbing, and side rubbi ng. Nonetheless, there was more cohesion in the bouts of sand chicks than i n those of wire chicks: wire chicks had more pauses in their bouts and perf ormed more Elements while standing; also, allopecking (feather-pecking) and preening were incorporated into their bouts. We conclude that the basic st ructure of dustbathing bouts develops even in rite absence of functional ex perience with feedback from sand. However absence of normal feedback can le ad so problems consisting of interruptions and feather-directed behavior (C ) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.