Primary Assay — Domestic Chick
Filial Imprinting
Gallus gallus domesticus
Newly hatched chicks form strong preferences for an imprinting object during a sensitive period in the first 24-72 h. Approach time and preference index vs novel objects measure imprinting strength.

Quantitative Output
Measured Parameters
Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Gallus gallus domesticus.
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Approach time to imprint object | s | Affiliative response |
| Preference index | ratio | Imprint vs novel choice |
| Distress calls when separated | calls/min | Attachment strength |
| Sensitive-period window | h post-hatch | Acquisition timing |
References
Citations for Filial Imprinting
- Bateson PPG. (1966). The characteristics and context of imprinting. Biol Rev, 41(2), 177-217. PMID: 5329272
Compatible Equipment
Hardware for Domestic Chick Research
Imprinting Arena (Running Wheel or Runway)
Filial preference testing
Transparent Barrier Detour Apparatus
Goal-directed cognition
Numerical Discrimination Box
Quantity choice
Automated Chick Vocalization Recorder
Distress and contact calls
Pebble-Grain Discrimination Plate
Visual lateralization
Related Assays
Other Domestic Chick Primary Assays

10
Detour Task
Gallus gallus domesticus
Chicks navigate around a transparent barrier to reach an imprint object or food. Detour latency and error rate index goa…

10
Numerical Cognition
Gallus gallus domesticus
Chicks discriminate small numbers and perform proto-arithmetic operations after imprinting on object groups. Choice accu…

10
Social Reinstatement
Gallus gallus domesticus
Isolated chicks emit distress calls and approach conspecific cues. The runway-reinstatement test indexes social motivati…
Run Filial Imprinting on ConductVision
Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your domestic chick facility.