Effect of space allowance on behavioural restriction and synchrony in hens (1991)

Jenner, T. D., Appleby, M. C.

Abstract

Frequency of preening and walking increased linearly with increased space; cage-pecking, bill-wiping, vacuum dust-bathing and scratching also tended to increase. Vigilance, jostling, inactivity and eating showed a decrease. .. Jostling indicated that birds were attempting to feed in synchrony, but in the smallest cage size only three birds could feed simultaneously. .. In larger cages, synchrony in feeding and other behaviours tended to increase. Restriction of behavioural freedom and synchrony has implication for welfare and the current results suggest that improvements can result from quite small increases in space allowance.