Analysis of risk factors for the occurrence of feather pecking in laying hen growers

Abstract

1. Potential risk factors for the occurrence of feather pecking in laying hen growers raised under commercial conditions were investigated on Swiss farms with more than 500 rearing places. On-farm interviews were conducted on a sample of 64 flocks which represented 42.6% of all farms concerned. 2. All variables considered were dichotomised and their univariate correlation with the occurrence of feather pecking was tested for significance at P <0.20 using chi2 tests. Logistic regression with backward elimination was then used with the significant variables to identify the potentially most important factors influencing feather pecking. These variables included stocking density, light intensity, intensity of care, access to elevated perches, access to a roofed and littered outdoor area ('bad weather run'), time of access to the feeding facilities of the housing system, stocking density in the restricted area at the beginning of the rearing period, additional open feeding areas in the beginning and air quality. 3. The final model contained stocking density and access to elevated perches as significant factors (P<0.05). Flocks kept in high density (> or = 10 birds per m2) and with no access to elevated perches were 6.4 (95% Confidence interval 1.7 to 24.2) and 4.0 (95% Confidence interval 1.2 to 12.9) times more likely to be affected by feather pecking, respectively. 4. The study identified 2 risk factors for the occurrence of feather pecking in flocks of laying hen growers reared under commercial conditions. It is concluded that in order to reduce feather pecking chicks should be reared at low density and with access to elevated perches.

The effects of environmental enrichment devices on feather picking in commercially housed Pekin ducks

“…Others (Blokhuis and Wiepkema, 1998) have suggested that conspecific pecking could develop because of "misdirected food pecking" (Blokhuis and van der Haar, 1992). Other groups have suggested genetic, hormonal, feather conditions, among numerous other factors that may influence feather pecking in chickens and turkeys (Hughes, 1973;Cuthbertson, 1980;Kjaer and Sorensen, 1997;Blokhuis and Wiepkema, 1998;Huber-Eicher and Audige, 1999;Savory and Mann, 1999;Martrenchar et al, 2001;Keeling et al, 2004;Jensen et al, 2005;Bright, 2007;Ramadan and von Borell, 2008). Feather picking in ducks is relatively rare compared with the rate observed in chickens and turkeys but may be due to similar factors.…”

Adrenocortical reactivity and central serotonin and dopamine turnover in young chicks from a high and low feather-pecking line of laying hens

“…There is general acceptance that the development of feather pecking reflects multifactorial processes [17]. Some investigators have stressed the relevance of environmental factors (e.g., housing conditions) [4], while others have implicated animal-related factors (e.g., genetics, hormones) [22] and animal -environment interactions (e.g., ontogenetic factors) [18].…”

Farm level factors associated with feather pecking in organic laying hens

“…Higher other factors-experience of the farmer, bird density, density (in combination with larger groups) is associrearing season and daily access to outdoor run-were ated with more feather pecking (Nicol et al, 1999; not significant. Savory et al, 1999;Huber-Eicher and Audige, 1999). According to some interviewed farmers, optimum flock size is below 500.…”

“…10 birds per m factors that can be associated with feather pecking, during rearing, having no access to elevated perches are presented. during rearing (Huber-Eicher and Audige, 1999), less than 50% of the birds from a flock using the 1 .2. Organic poultry husbandry in the Netherlands outdoor run, diet being changed three or more times during lay, inspections done by one person, no loose…”