Effect of brooders on feather pecking and cannibalism in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) (2006)

Jensen, A. B., Palme, R., Forkman, B.

Abstract

Twelve groups of 15 layer hen chicks were reared in pens (2.55 m2); during the first 5 weeks after hatching six pens were provided with dark brooders and six pens with heating lamps. The dark brooders completely prevented severe feather pecking in the dark brooder pens, whereas the frequency of severe feather pecking rose with age in the heating lamp pens. At the last observation (week 23), the frequency of severe feather pecking bouts in the dark brooder pens was 0.3 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- S.E.) compared to 31.3 +/- 10.1 in the heating lamp pens. The results suggest that the provision of dark brooders has a long-lasting reducing effect on the frequency of feather pecking and cannibalistic attacks, resulting in reduced mortality and an improved condition of both plumage and skin.