Abstract
In terms of number of inductions needed to elicit the immobility response, chickens given metoserpate HCL (Pacitran) were found to be significantly less susceptible to immobility than controls. The duration of resulting immobility reactions was also found to be inversely related to drug dosage levels, with controls remaining immobile over three times longer than chicks receiving an optimal dosage. The results were interpreted as lending support to the notion that fear is what underlies tonic immobility reactions in young chicks.
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Gallup, G.G., Nash, R.F. & Brown, C.W. The effects of a tranquilizer on the immobility reaction in chickens: Additional support for the fear hypothesis. Psychon Sci 23, 127–128 (1971). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336040
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336040