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Factors affecting ranging behaviour in commercial free-range hens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2016

I.C. PETTERSSON ,
R. FREIRE  and
C.J. NICOL
I.C. PETTERSSON*
Affiliation:
Animal Behaviour & Welfare Group, School of Veterinary Sciences, Bristol University, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
R. FREIRE
Affiliation:
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, LMB 588, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
C.J. NICOL
Affiliation:
Animal Behaviour & Welfare Group, School of Veterinary Sciences, Bristol University, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
*
Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

Many studies have assessed use of the outdoor ‘range’ area on free-range laying farms, and have revealed that percentage range use at any one time rarely exceeds 50% of the flock, and is sometimes below 10%. What constitutes a ‘good’ range use is difficult to determine without better knowledge of ranging bout lengths under ideal conditions. Well documented factors that affect percentage range use include prevailing weather, flock size and shelter on the range. Other factors such as pophole design, internal and external stocking density and system design appear to play a role although their effects are not as clear and more research would be valuable to truly understand their relevance. Factors affecting bird distribution on the range are also reviewed.

Keywords

laying henfree-rangerange useranging behaviourshelterflock sizespatial distribution
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 72 , Issue 1 , March 2016 , pp. 137 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2016 

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