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Rearing factors that influence the propensity for injurious feather pecking in laying hens

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2007

H.A. VAN DE WEERD  and
A. ELSON
H.A. VAN DE WEERD*
Affiliation:
ADAS UK Ltd., Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG20 9PF, UK
A. ELSON
Affiliation:
ADAS UK Ltd., Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG20 9PF, UK
*
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
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Abstract

Feather pecking during rearing is difficult to identify and therefore often underestimated. However, as rearing conditions will affect the behaviour of adult hens, it is important or prevent feather pecking during rearing. This paper reviews the knowledge in the scientific literature on the effect of rearing conditions on injurious pecking. Factors such as stocking density and feeding strategies during rearing are known to influence feather pecking. Minimising the differences between the rearing and laying environment via a seamless transition is likely to make a flock less prone to injurious feather pecking. This can be achieved by providing perches and substrate for foraging and dust bathing during rearing, by providing facilities (e.g. litter trays) on perforated platforms during early lay and by focussing on early access to the range.

Keywords

rearingfeather peckingwelfarelaying hens
Type
Review Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 62 , Issue 4 , December 2006 , pp. 654 - 664
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2006

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