Feather pecking and cannibalism (1995)

Savory, C. J.

Abstract

This well attended Workshop stimulated lively discussion that continued throughout the Conference. It addressed a behavioural problem in laying fowl that causes concern from both welfare and economic standpoints, particular in the context of the current trend towards alternative colony housing systems where its consequences tend to be more serious. The Workshop was structured around three headings: (1) definition and descriptions, (2) causation, and (3) prevention, which were introduced by invited speakers, and discussion of these was followed by more general debate. In this report each speaker's presentation and points raised during subsequent discussions that appeared to be particularly relevant are summarized. It is not a review and it should be pointed out that, although the Workshop concentrated on laying fowl, the problem is equally important and more predictable in the turkey and gamebird industries.