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Perch use by laying hens in a commercial aviary
D L M Campbell1, M M Makagon1, J C Swanson1
1Animal Behavior and Welfare Group, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Poultry Science
|March 20, 2016
Summary
Laying hens in aviaries prefer higher perches, especially at night, leading to crowding. Ensuring accessible perch design is crucial for hen welfare and preventing frustration.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Non-cage housing, like aviaries, is increasingly adopted for laying hens to enhance welfare.
- Perches are essential in aviaries, promoting natural behaviors and improving leg bone strength.
- Hens exhibit a strong motivation to perch, with a preference for elevated sites, particularly during roosting periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laying hen roosting preferences within a commercial aviary system across different production stages.
- To identify variations in perch and ledge utilization based on hen age and lighting conditions.
- To assess potential welfare implications arising from unequal access to preferred roosting locations.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of laying hen behavior in a commercial aviary.
- Recording roosting site selection (perches and ledges) across three production phases: peak, mid, and end of lay.
- Comparing roosting patterns during light and dark observation periods.
Main Results:
- Hens consistently preferred higher levels within the aviary for roosting, irrespective of production stage.
- Roosting preferences varied significantly across the lay cycle, with more use of perches at peak lay and ledges later in lay.
- Significantly more hens roosted during the dark period compared to the light period, with a preference for elevated sites.
Conclusions:
- Unequal access to preferred high-level perches may cause frustration and negatively impact hen welfare.
- Aviary design must consider dynamic roosting preferences throughout the laying cycle to ensure equitable resource access.
- Further research is needed to correlate specific structural elements with perching preferences and overall system design for optimal welfare.
