Voluntary regulation of lighting by domestic fowls in Skinner boxes

• Published in: Applied Animal Ethology (Netherlands) Vol. 9; no. 1
• Main Authors: Savory, C.J, Duncan, I.J.H. (ARC Poultry Research Centre, Roslin, Midlothian (UK))
• Format: Publication
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.1982

Preferences of broiler and layer strains of fowl for light and dark were investigated in experiments with Skinner boxes. The birds were trained to operate a light switch by pecking responses. With a background of darkness, and with 1 or 3 min of light (15 lux) per response, both types of fowl had lights on for about 20% of time, time illuminated being closely associated with time spent feeding. When allowed to switch lights on and off, most birds were illuminated for over 80% of time. With a background of light, and with 3 min of dark per response, both types were in darkness for less than 1% of time. Fowls thus appear to have a clear preference for light over dark, and to be prepared to work for a minimum of about 4 h of light per day, but not for much darkness. Poultry producers should therefore have plenty of scope for manipulating lighting, to maximise efficiency of production, without upsetting the welfare of the birds.