Plumage damage in free-range laying hens: Behavioural characteristics in the rearing period and the effects of environmental enrichment and beak-trimming

Abstract

Severe feather-pecking, whereby birds peck at and pull out the feathers of other birds, is one of the greatest welfare concerns and the most prevalent behavioural problem in laying hens. It can be extremely difficult to control, especially in non-cage laying flocks. Despite a multitude of studies on the topic, the principal underlying causes remain unclear and not much is known about why certain birds are affected more than others. Literature suggests that rearing is an important period for the development of behaviours later in life. Although severe feather-pecking is not usually a welfare concern in the rearing period, behavioural tests when performed early in life may be predictive of plu..