Species Hub/Domestic Chick/Filial Imprinting
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.

Domestic Chick — Filial Imprinting

Measured Parameters

Every parameter is automatically tracked frame-by-frame in the ConductVision pipeline for Gallus gallus domesticus.

ParameterUnitDescription
Approach time to imprint objectsAffiliative response
Preference indexratioImprint vs novel choice
Distress calls when separatedcalls/minAttachment strength
Sensitive-period windowh post-hatchAcquisition timing

Citations for Filial Imprinting

  1. Bateson PPG. (1966). The characteristics and context of imprinting. Biol Rev, 41(2), 177-217. PMID: 5329272

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

Run Filial Imprinting on ConductVision

Our team will configure the protocol, camera rig, and analysis pipeline for your domestic chick facility.