Nocturnal activity of hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract

Introduction: The ancestor of the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus silvestre shelter at night. In nature it can be observed that wild birds and commercial hens during the day and night. Various studies on well-being suggest that the lack of perches to rest or feel safe is a cause of “frustration” or “stress” that can have a negative impact on their behavior, health, production, and the deterioration of their well-being. Currently, commercial hens in technical houses lack these structures to rest or feel safe at night due to the type of housing where they are raised. Objective: Document the nocturnal activity of a group of hens based on the time they spend in the different nocturnal substates. Methods: Seven 20-week-old hens were used, which were observed for three consecutive nights using a video surveillance camera with infrared light. Monitoring began 30 minutes before the group of birds entered the room and continued throughout the night until 15 minutes after the birds left the room at sunrise. The activities evaluated were standing awake, lying awake, standing sleeping, lying prone sleeping, grooming standing, and grooming prostrate. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and expressed as a percentage. Results and Discussion: 8% were observed grooming standing, 2% grooming prostrate, 5% standing awake, 4% prostrate awake, 4% standing sleeping, 77% prostrate sleeping. All the hens perched and the different substates are observed that in nature birds seek refuge at heights to rest or sleep “safely” with a lower probability of being predated.