Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions.

Methods

We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the h

SUBMITTER: Murayama GP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8833830 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature