ABSTRACT
Colors of long wave lengths and color contrast can increase the responsiveness of chicken to stimuli. This study was designated to assess the effect of feeders and drinkers colors and their contrast on ingestion rate and development of some maintenance behaviors. This study includes z Experiment I: effect of different colors of feeders and drinkers on rates feeding rates and water intake during 6 weeks rearing period was examined in Ross broiler chicken. Experiment II: assessment of the effect of color contrast of feeders and drinkers with the floor on development of maintenance behaviors in newly hatched chicken. The results indicated that red colored feeders and drinkers increased the feed and water intake rates during the first week post hatching [P < 0.05]. But no such effect was observed in older ages. In addition, the presence of color contrast feeders and drinkers with the floor enhanced the appearance of certain behaviors necessary for survival in newly hatched chicks. Red colored feeders and drinkers attracted chicks, increased ingestion rate and color contrast accelerated the development of some maintenance behaviors and decreased distress calls. Thus using red colors and presence of contrast environment could enhance the development of maintenance behaviors in newly hatched chicken