Observations of environmental thermoregulation by chicks

Chicks, 8 days of age, were housed at 20 C in a 48 x 45 cm chamber with a microswitch in one wall. Pressing the microswitch provided radiant heat from an infrared bulb located above the switch. Six experiments were conducted using from two to eight chicks per group. Heat was provided for 2 or 3 min. In two experiments chicks were on litter; in four experiments chicks were on wire floors. Chicks provided themselves with heat without difficulty and reduced heat demand when housed on litter rather than wire. Less total heat was provided with reward times of 2 min. No diurnal rhythm was evident.