Development of perching behavior in 3 strains of pullets reared in furnished cages

Furnished rearing cages are becoming more widely available to replace conventional systems for pullets. To date, there is little information on how pullets develop perching behavior in furnished cages or how this varies among strains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of perches and a platform in a commercial furnished rearing "Combi-Cage" system by 3 pure-bred heritage strains of pullets (Rhode Island Red, Columbian Rock, and White Leghorn). Each cage had 4 elevated locations: one platform and 3 perches of differing heights and positions in the cage. The length of each cage was visually divided into 4 sections for observation. The number of birds using each section in each location was counted by one observer d per wk at 1200 h (d) from one to 14 wk of age and at 1600 h (night) right after lights were turned off from 4 to 14 wk of age. Mixed model repeated analyses were used to test effects of strain, age, and their interaction on the use of the platform, the 3 perches, and all 4 locations combined (vertical space use) at both time periods. GLM were used to compare overall use of the sections and locations. On average, pullets used vertical space more during the d than at night. There were also effects of age (P < 0.05) and strain (P < 0.05) on the use of the 4 locations in the cage at both time periods. Generally, the Columbian Rocks used the perches and platform the most, and Rhode Island Reds the least. The highest perch in the cage was rarely used and birds showed a preference for perching in sections that were closest to cage walls (P < 0.05). Differences across strains and low use of some perch locations indicate that the design of furnished rearing cages may still require improvements in order to ensure the furnishings are used by pullets as intended.