TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF FEEDING IN THE DOMESTIC CHICK - AD-LIBITUM

One problem in developing models that may adequately describe the temporal patterns of feeding behaviour is to describe and understand the range of individual variation present in such patterns. Data from 50 chicks showing such variation is analysed. Both meals and gaps often have a constant probability of ending. Meals are likely to correlate positively with the gap after in individuals that feed relatively infrequently but tend to correlate positively with the gap before in other individuals feeding more often than usual. Detailed analysis suggests this represents one aspect of alternative feeding strategies that may be found. It is suggested that the findings of this analysis are not compatible with some aspects of current models of feeding. © 1979.