The shift in egg production systems from caged to free-range, barn egg, and organic is bringing into focus the natural behaviour of laying hens. It is thought that certain conditions can breed nervousness and stress, pushing hens to express the need to peck other members of the flock.
Several factors have been identified as a contribution to pecking, which is not a normal behaviour.
Bird related factors
- Social atmosphere
- Hormones
- Genetics
External Influences
- Housing provisions
- Flock Management
- Nutrition
- Feeding
Within a flock, the more dominant birds can be seen to peck at the smaller, inferior birds, this is a behaviour seen to maintain a hierarchy within the flock. This interaction can be imitated through other birds, causing further pecking throughout the flock.
The increased production of progesterone and oestrogen can increase the likelihood of feather pecking at the onset to laying. Furthermore, it's been suggested that a link between increased egg production and the genetic programming of the laying birds has also increased observed pecking within flocks. This could become a problem for larger flocks where selective breeding has led to higher egg production, and a decrease of laying in the future to promote better bird health, could be have a detrimental economic impact.
Stress can be caused by a change in the environment and equipment used within poultry houses, increasing the bird’s pecking behaviours to cope with the stress. It is important that when the birds are transferred to a new house, the lay out and type of equipment used is of a similar appearance.
Studies have been conducted to highlight the need of fibre in a bird’s diet. The increased enrichment of fibre has seen a reduction in feather pecking, as the bird must spend a greater length of time feeding due to the lower feed value of the fibre product.
Dengie have formulated a precision dried, chopped lucerne bale, which has been designed to increase the health and performance of laying hens, and reduce feather pecking behaviours. Rumiluz Poultry SB can be put into hay-nets and hung in poultry houses for the birds to peck at. The bales are high in fibre, protein, and methionine, making the product essential for your flock’s diet.
