This observational study characterized the early-life behavior of 75 Ross 308 broiler chicks through continuous 24-hour observation from day 1 to day 7 post-hatch to understand how behavior changes with age and time of day. Findings suggest that resting and sleeping predominated in early post-hatch days and gradually decreased as active behaviors — including standing, walking, running, jumping, eating, drinking, foraging, sparring, and playing — increased over the week, consistent with rapid early development. Behavioral diversity appeared to expand from day 1 to day 7, which may serve as a useful sign of normal development, while reduced or unusual behavior may indicate problems with health, welfare, or the rearing environment. Distinct daily behavioral rhythms were also observed, with locomotor behaviors appearing more prevalent in the morning, sitting and allopreening clustering around midday, and foraging and environmental pecking elevated before the dark period — patterns that may have implications for lighting, feeder access, drinker access, and environmental comfort in early chick management.
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