Using artificial cover to reduce aggression and disturbances in domestic fowl (2002)

Cornetto, T., Estevez, I., Douglas, L. W.

Abstract

Differential use of space by domestic fowl may contribute to unnecessary aggressive interactions and disturbances among birds. Greater use of space near pen walls results in aggregations of birds around peripheral regions, leaving central areas unoccupied. ... Vertical panels, constructed of PVC piping, were positioned in pen centers, while pen centers in no cover treatments were left empty. ... The presence of cover did not significantly influence the appearance of aggressive interactions (P>0.05). ... Disturbance frequency was influenced by the presence of cover (P<0.001) and was highest for the no cover treatment. In general, disturbances occurred most often along the pen wall. These results suggest that when birds are provided with cover, costly disturbances among birds can be reduced.