Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which portion of the light spectrum are chickens and turkeys particularly sensitive to?

1. Blue

2. Green

3. Red

4. Ultraviolet

The correct answer is: Red

Chickens and turkeys have unique visual capabilities compared to many other animals, as they can see a broader range of colors due to the presence of extra photoreceptors in their eyes. One notable feature of poultry vision is their sensitivity to ultraviolet light, which is not visible to humans. However, while the selected answer indicates sensitivity to red light, ultraviolet light is more so where their sensitivity peaks. Chickens and turkeys possess pentachromatic vision, allowing them to see into the ultraviolet spectrum, which plays a crucial role in their foraging behavior, mate selection, and social interactions. They can perceive colors that are reflected differently than those visible to humans. In understanding poultry behavior and welfare, recognizing their sensitivity to ultraviolet light is key. The emphasis on red light is important for poultry management and lighting strategies in housing environments, but for a complete understanding of their vision, ultraviolet light deserves attention because it influences many aspects of their behavior and physiological responses.