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Updated: May 10, 2026
10:07
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
Published on: November 6, 2015
Surface temperature changes in response to handling in domestic chickens
J L Edgar1, C J Nicol, C A Pugh
1School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford BS40 5DU, UK. j.edgar@bristol.ac.uk
Physiology & Behavior
|July 3, 2013
Summary
Handling chickens causes measurable surface temperature changes, indicating stress. Infrared thermography detected significant drops in comb temperature, suggesting a method for assessing stress-induced hyperthermia in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) is a physiological response characterized by increased core body temperature and decreased surface temperature.
- SIH has been observed in various species following emotional stress.
- Assessing SIH in poultry can provide insights into animal welfare during husbandry procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if handling domestic hens causes measurable changes in surface body temperature.
- To investigate the utility of infrared thermography for detecting stress-induced hyperthermia in chickens.
Main Methods:
- Infrared thermography was used to measure surface temperatures (head, eye, comb) in 19 domestic hens.
- Baseline temperatures were recorded before handling (catching and restraint).
- Temperatures were monitored immediately and up to 20 minutes post-handling.
Main Results:
- Handling resulted in a significant 2°C drop in comb temperature.
- Eye temperature initially decreased then increased significantly above handling levels.
- Head temperature showed a significant increase over the 20-minute post-handling period.
Conclusions:
- Surface temperature changes, particularly in the comb, are sensitive indicators of stress in chickens due to handling.
- Infrared thermography is a promising, non-invasive tool for assessing stress-induced hyperthermia in poultry.
- These findings support the use of thermography in evaluating the welfare impact of husbandry practices on chickens.
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