Effects of broody hens on perch use, ground pecking, feather pecking and cannibalism in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) (2007)

Riber, A. B., Wichman, A., Braastad, B. O. et al.

Abstract

Previous work has shown that the tendency to feather peck in domestic fowl is influenced by experiences early in life; it was hypothesised that broody hens prevent development of feather pecking and cannibalism in their chicks by increasing their ground pecking activity and by motivating them to earlier perch use. Severe feather pecking was almost non-existent in both treatments throughout the experiment, although a rise in frequency was found in the non-brooded pens in weeks 20 and 24. Mortality due to feather pecking and cannibalism was found to be significantly higher for the non-brooded chickens.In conclusion, the provision of broody hens resulted in chickens having a higher ground pecking activity, an earlier day-use of perches, and a lower mortality.