This will allow scientists to see what percentage of each sex is involved with removing fecal sacs. Also, the time in which the most fecal sacs are removed (i.e. initial post hatch vs. later) will be significant to see if feeding frequency has any correlation to fecal sac removal. As the birds grow larger and as more of the nestlings hatch, more food and feeding trips will be necessary to support growth. Basal hormones will be taken from male birds at the beginning of the experiment from all birds via blood samples. At the height of incubation, which we expect to be early to mid May, all birds in the prolactin implantation group will have their blood samples taken to compare hormone levels in males verses females. This will be used for comparison at the end of the experiment. Out of the three groups we are using, only the two experimental gorups will be given prolactin implants and within these groups, only the males will receive the implants (20 total
This will allow scientists to see what percentage of each sex is involved with removing fecal sacs. Also, the time in which the most fecal sacs are removed (i.e. initial post hatch vs. later) will be significant to see if feeding frequency has any correlation to fecal sac removal. As the birds grow larger and as more of the nestlings hatch, more food and feeding trips will be necessary to support growth. Basal hormones will be taken from male birds at the beginning of the experiment from all birds via blood samples. At the height of incubation, which we expect to be early to mid May, all birds in the prolactin implantation group will have their blood samples taken to compare hormone levels in males verses females. This will be used for comparison at the end of the experiment. Out of the three groups we are using, only the two experimental gorups will be given prolactin implants and within these groups, only the males will receive the implants (20 total