A 5-year-old, male, neutered mixed-breed dog is taken to a veterinarian because his owner has noticed several behavioral changes: the dog is more lethargic and irritable and less responsive than usual. The owner also states that the dog has gained weight but is eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally. Of the following conditions, which is the most likely explanation?

Bladder infection
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism

Social Behavior of Chickens

By

Gary M. Landsberg

, BSc, DVM, MRCVS, DACVB, DECAWBM,

North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic

;

Sagi Denenberg

, DVM, DACVB, Dip. ECAWBM (Behaviour), MACVSc (Behaviour),

North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic

Last full review/revision May 2014 | Content last modified May 2014

Free-ranging chickens are social animals. In these groups, hens and chicks are the core, while roosters live independently. Social maturity occurs at ~1 yr of age, although most chickens are sent to slaughter before this age. Free-ranging chickens show more aggressive behaviors than battery chickens do. Rank is based on multiple factors (eg, size, age, color, and social environment). A new or foreign chicken is lower in rank than a chicken on home ground. Both nesting and food intake are genetically controlled behaviors, and chickens are selected for high food intake. Hens will form nests if supplied with nesting material. An adult chicken that has never used a nesting box will use one if provided.

Behavioral Problems of Goats

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Behavioral Problems of Chickens

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