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Reducing feather pecking when raising laying hen chicks in aviary systems.
1Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing: Poultry and Rabbits, Burgerweg 22, CH-3052, Zollikofen, Switzerland
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
|May 18, 2001
Summary
Providing laying hen chicks with early access to litter substrate significantly reduces feather pecking and increases foraging behavior in aviary systems. This management strategy improves bird welfare and farm economics.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Science
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Aviary systems for laying hens present welfare challenges, notably feather pecking.
- Feather pecking is linked to foraging behavior and influenced by early substrate access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if early access to litter substrate in the first two weeks of life can reduce feather pecking in aviary-housed laying hen chicks.
- To assess the impact of early litter access on foraging behavior and feather damage.
Main Methods:
- A matched pair design was used across six commercial farms, with chicks either having access to litter (experimental) or a plastic grid (control) for the first two weeks.
- Subsequent management and housing conditions were identical for both groups.
- Behavioral observations and assessment of feather damage were conducted at weeks 5 and 14.
Main Results:
- Chicks with early litter access spent significantly more time foraging at week 5.
- Significantly less feather pecking was observed in the experimental group at weeks 5 and 14.
- Fewer birds in the experimental group exhibited damaged tail feathers at weeks 5 and 14.
Conclusions:
- Early access to litter substrate is a critical management factor in reducing feather pecking in commercial aviary systems.
- Implementing litter access from day one promotes foraging behavior and mitigates feather damage, enhancing laying hen welfare.