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Abstract
1. The consequences of the adoption of chicks and their subsequent removal on behaviour and plasma hormone concentrations of incubating hens were investigated. Birds were divided into two groups: in group A, incubating hens were given chicks for 11 d; in group B chicks were left with the hens for 3 d only.
2. Incubating hens given chicks immediately showed maternal responses. The introduction of chicks induced a gradual nest desertion. Their removal stopped nest desertion temporarily on day 4 in group B hens.
3. Plasma prolactin concentrations fell one day after introduction of chicks and continued to decline for about one week in group A hens, although there was no further significant decrease in group B hens. Circulating prolactin tended to decrease with time in both groups.
4. Plasma luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations increased concurrently with the decrease of prolactin. The increase was more abrupt in group B hens.
5. Plasma oestradiol concentrations decreased slightly on the day chicks were introduced. The decline was arrested by removal of chicks in group B; in group A the tendency was reversed about 10 days after chick introduction.
6. Irrespective of group, before chick removal hens which deserted their nests rapidly had less contact with chicks and lower prolactin concentrations.