Analysis methods for two types of second-order thermal transients

Methods are developed to find rate constants, asymptotes, and first derivatives of proportional temperature change at time zero for second-order transients when rate of change in core temperature initially is retarded or accelerated. Methods are applied to data for cooling chicken eggs (initially retarded core dynamics) and cooling 1-day-old nestling House Wrens in broods under natural conditions (initially accelerated core dynamics). Asymptotes minus Te are used to estimate an average net metabolic heat production rate of 0.016 W±0.0108 (S.D., n=10) for 1-day-old House Wrens, a value similar to previous estimates using different methods.