Induction of Male Copulatory behavior in the Brown Leghorn Hen. ∗

Summary

Three cases are described from 4 experimental groups totaling 24 birds, some observed for more than 4 years, in which single comb brown Leghorn hens displayed male copulatory behavior following successive implants of testosterone propionate pellets. Implantations were begun when birds were 4 days, and 1, 3, and 5 months old. These results contrast with earlier negative findings following single daily injections of this hormone. Induction of copulatory behavior in such a small percentage of cases indicates the desirability for further study of factors controlling this behavior pattern.