Breast blisters in groups of slow-growing broilers in relation to strain and the availability and use of perches

1. The relationship between perching behaviour, availability of perches and the incidence and severity of breast blisters in broilers was investigated together with a comparison between two slow-growing broiler strains. 2. Sixteen single strain groups (n = 60) of Labresse and i657 broilers were subjected throughout the experiment to one of three perch availabilities: 15 cm per bird (Labresse and i657), 7.5 cm per bird (i657 only), and 0 cm per bird (i657 only) with 4 replicates per treatment. The birds were housed indoors from one day old, and at 43 d of age 52 birds from each group were moved to outdoor housing facilities with access to grass-covered outdoor areas until slaughter at 84 d of age. 3. The use of perches was monitored via video recordings throughout the experimental period. The severity of breast blisters was recorded on a scale from 0 to 2 at slaughter. 4. Groups of i657 with 15 cm perch per bird used these more than groups with 7.5 cm perch per bird (19% vs 8% of birds perching at midnight). A positive association between access to perches and severe breast blisters (score 2) was found in the groups of i657, with odds ratios of 3.1 and 3.4 for 7.5 and 15.0 cm per bird, respectively, relative to the no-perch treatment. 5. Labresse were more likely to develop breast blisters than i657 (odds ratio 3.5), but used the perches less (0.1 vs 9.5 birds perching at midnight) and weighed less (2011 g vs 2246 g) than i657. 6. Males had a higher incidence of breast blisters than females (odds ratio 12.2), and this was most prominent in the Labresse strain (odds ratio 40.0). 7. In some broiler strains access to perches may be associated with an increase in the occurrence of severe breast blisters, but strain and sex of broiler chickens appear to have a much larger influence than access to perches on the incidence of breast blisters.     

Factors affecting the use of perches in cages by laying hens

1. Three experiments were carried out with ISA Brown laying hens housed in individual cages with softwood perches of rectangular cross section fitted across the width of each cage, to investigate factors affecting the tendency of hens to lay their eggs from the perches and to use perches at other times. These factors were perch width and angle and method of perch introduction. 2. In experiment 1 there were 4 treatments. Perches were 38 or 60 mm wide; half of each width were flat and half were fixed at 8 , parallel to the slope of the floor. In 2 similar trials (with 48 and 44 birds respectively, equally divided between treatments) birds were moved to experimental cages already fitted with perches. Birds with 38 mm, sloping perches laid less than one third of their eggs from the perch (31% and 9% in the two trials) while those with the other designs laid more than 80% from the perch. Narrow sloping perches were not otherwise aversive and there was no consistent variation between treatments in total time perching. 3. In experiment 2, 32 birds were allowed to start laying on the floor of the experimental cages then perches were introduced at 24 weeks with 8 birds on each of 4 treatments: 50 mm perches fixed flat and 38 mm perches fixed flat, and at 5 and 10 respectively. Only 27% of eggs were laid from the perches with no variation between treatments either in this behaviour or in total time perching. 4. Experiment 3 provided 24 of the birds from experiment 2 with double-length perches to determine whether they showed preferences for the design features under consideration. Either half the perch length was flat and half sloping at 10 or half was 38 and half 50 mm wide. Again a relatively low proportion of eggs was laid from the perches (18%) and birds showed no significant preference for different perch designs as indicated by either how much they perched or where they perched. 5. These results suggest that both perch design and the way pullets are introduced to perches influence the proportion of perch-laid eggs. They confirm that in some circumstances laying from perches can be a serious problem, but that in other circumstances incidence can be reduced to a manageable frequency. Perches may therefore be practical in commercial production without increasing the number of cracked eggs. The results are also likely to be applicable in cages with other facilities including nest boxes.     

Individual perching behavior of laying hens and its effects in cages.

1. ISA Brown hens were housed, from 18 to 71 weeks of age, as groups of 4 in cages with 675 cm2/bird. There were 7 treatments: control cages and 6 treatments with perches fitted across the rear of the cage. Five treatments had 450 mm wide cages, with perches made from hardwood, textured metal, smooth plastic, softwood and padded vinyl, and one treatment had a 600 mm wide cage, with a softwood perch. There were 4 cages in each of the first 6 treatments and 6 in the last. 2. Overall, birds spent about 25% of the day time on perches. Most time (28 to 41%) was spent perching on the 600 mm softwood perches. Among 450 mm perches, most time (25 to 30%) was spent on the softwood perch and least (13 to 23%) on the plastic; the results suggested that a slightly rough surface was preferred. Individual birds varied considerably in the proportion of day time they spent perching; this variation was relatively consistent over time. 3. Overall, the proportion of birds roosting on the perches at night was 85% in period 1; declined to 76% by period 6, probably because increased body size made it almost impossible for 4 birds to perch in the 450 mm cages. Birds roosting on the floor tended always to be the same individuals. 4. Damage to the soles of the feet was less in all treatments with perches than in control cages. It was least in 600 mm wide cages and showed a negative correlation with time spent perching, both within and between treatments. Long or twisted claws, in contrast, tended to be slightly worse in treatments where there was most perching. 5. Downgraded eggs tended to be slightly more frequent in cages with perches; the greatest proportion (cracked 1.4%, dirty 3.6%) was from the 600 mm wide cages, as a result of hens laying from the perch and a build-up of manure behind it. 6. Although problems remain the findings suggest that provision of perches is important for the welfare of hens; perch space should be sufficient to allow all birds to perch simultaneously.     

Laying hens in large flocks in a perchery system: influence of stocking density on location, use of resources and behaviour.

1. ISA Brown laying hens (3000) were housed in a perchery in 10 pens, each with 300 birds. The pens varied in size to produce 4 different stocking densities: 9.9 birds/m2 (n = 3), 13.5/m2 (n = 2), 16.0/m2 (n = 2) and 19.0/m2 (n = 3). Observations began at 20 weeks of age and continued until 69 weeks to establish the spatial distribution of the birds, usage of the different resources and the expression of behaviour. 2. Overall, birds spent most time on the perch frame (47%), litter area (23%), slatted floor (17%) and nestbox area (9%). 3. There was no effect of density on the proportion of birds observed on the slatted floor or on the elevated perches but as density increased the proportion on the littered area decreased. 4. Space usage was determined vertically, horizontally and longitudinally. Individual birds were seen to use about 80% of the pen volume available to them. This value was similar for all densities and showed that individuals did not have separate home ranges. 5. Fewer vertical movements were made within the main perch frame at the upper than at the lower levels but movements between the perches of the main frame and the nestbox rails were relatively frequent. This may help birds move up and down through the main frame. 6. Behaviours which decreased in incidence with crowding included moving, foraging and dust-bathing. Behaviours which increased with crowding included standing. Behaviours which were unaffected included resting, preening, prelaying behaviour, comfort behaviour and the minor behaviours. 7. The proportion of birds engaged in feeding and drinking was unaffected by density, except each time the chain feeders (which operated intermittently) ran more hens were seen feeding at the lower densities. This suggests that food delivery stimulated feeding behaviour; there may have been some restriction at the higher densities on birds feeding when and where they wanted. 8. Stocking density had no effect on the frequency of agonistic interactions: threats, lunges, comb/head pecks, chases and fights. 9. The incidence of damaging pecking was low and not density dependent. 10. Increasing density within the range investigated inhibited the expression of a number of behaviours and limited the use of specific resources: bird welfare at 19 birds/m2 may have been very slightly impaired.     

The use of perches by broilers in floor pens

1. Small flocks of broilers, numbering between 160 and 240, were placed in two deep‐litter pens each 10.13 m² in area, one of which contained four perches each 3.05 m long and about 0.3 m above the floor. The presence of birds on the perches was noted. Body weights at 56 d were recorded and food intakes from 0 to 56 d measured.

2. In experiments 1 and 2, when 160 birds without perches were compared with 240 with perches, the latter gained slightly less weight but had an improved food conversion efficiency. At 8 weeks about 27% of the birds were observed on the perches at any one time.

3. In experiments 3 and 4 both pens contained about 200 birds. Those with perches gained slightly more weight and food conversion efficiencies were similar. At 8 weeks about 12% of the birds were observed on the perches.

4. Perch usage appeared to be governed both by the age and size of the birds and by their density. In all four experiments the numbers perching at 8 weeks seemed to be such that the density of birds on the floor was about 17 birds/m² (28 to 34 kg/m²).     

Perching behaviour and perch height preference of laying hens in furnished cages varying in height

1. The objective was to investigate the effect of cage height on perch height preference and perching behaviour in laying hens. Twelve groups of two hens and 12 groups of 14 hens were tested in furnished cages equipped with two wooden perches. These stepwise perches were designed such that hens could choose between 7 different heights (6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31 and 36 cm). Day- and night-time perching behaviour was observed on 4 consecutive days with a different cage height each day: 150, 55, 50 and 45 cm. 2. Given that a minimum perch-roof distance of 19 to 24 cm was available, hens preferred to roost on the highest perches at night. 3. Lowering cage height not only forced hens to use lower perches, but also reduced time spent on the perches during the day (two-hen and 14-hen test) and night (14-hen test). Moreover, it affected daytime behavioural activities (more standing and less preening) on the perches in the two-hen tests (but not in the 14-hen tests). 4. During the day lower perches were used more for standing and walking, higher perches more for sitting and sleeping. This behavioural differentiation was most pronounced in the highest cages. 5. Perch preference and perching behaviour depend on both the floor-perch distance and the perch-roof distance. Higher cages provide more opportunity for higher perches (which hens prefer), for better three-dimensional spacing (and consequently reduced density at floor level) and for behavioural differentiation according to perch height.     

坝上长尾鸡对栖木的选择

观察晚上坝上长尾鸡在开合式栖架的栖息行为,为栖架式饲养系统的开发应用提供参考。结果发现,坝上长尾鸡在开合式栖架的选择偏好顺序分别为:栖木所在位置>栖木材质>栖木的直径,坝上长尾鸡晚上栖息时选择栖木的中上位置,栖木材质:木质>钢质>塑料,栖木直径:5 cm>8 cm>3 cm。育成期坝上长尾鸡喜欢直径为5 cm木质栖架的顶部栖息。     

Effect of perches in laying cages on welfare and production of hens

1. ISA Brown hens were caged in groups of 4 from 20 to 72 weeks at 675 cm²/bird. A control treatment in conventional cages was compared with 4 treatments involving softwood perches. In deep cages they were located across the front, across the rear and across both; in wide, shallow cages there was one long perch across the front. For half of each treatment perches were circular in cross section, and for half they were rectangular.

2. Time spent overall in daytime perching was relatively consistent over the laying cycle, from 47% in period 1 to 41% in period 10. Perch arrangement had a major influence on perching time, which varied from 20% on the rear perch to 85% on the long perch. Predominant activities on front perches were feeding and drinking; on rear perches, preening and resting.

3. Perches were heavily used for roosting at night: the proportion varied from 60 to 72% on front or rear perches, through 72 to 78% on long perches, and 99% on two perches.

4. Physical condition was also affected by treatment. Foot damage was less in birds with rectangular perches than with circular perches; rear perches resulted in less damage than the control. Tibia breaking strength was greater in birds from cages with perches. There was some evidence of reduced feather damage, especially where there was sufficient perching space for all birds.

5. Egg production on a hen‐d basis across 12 laying periods was 83% in cages with perches compared to 85% in control cages, with no significant differences between treatments. Hens were seen to lay from perches; this probably accounted for the higher proportion of cracked eggs from cages with perches. This proportion varied from 4% with rear perches to 18% with two perches, compared to 2% in control cages.

6. Although not all effects of perches were beneficial, overall they made an appreciable contribution to bird welfare. They should be considered in combination with other potential modifications to cages.     

Influence of environmental enrichment on injurious pecking and perching behaviour in young turkeys.

1. In order to reduce injurious pecking, the influence of environmental enrichment on pecking and perching behaviour was studied in young male and female turkeys. 2. Two different types of enrichment and a control treatment (TO) were tested: T1, metal objects and straw; T2, similar to T1 + wood perches. Birds were housed in 36 m2 pens at a light intensity of 5 lux with 4 replicates per treatment in a 2x3 factorial design. 3. Pecking at objects and perching behaviour were observed weekly. Behaviour was video recorded at weeks 5 and 10. Birds were examined daily for the occurrence of injuries. At the end of the rearing period, an ACTH challenge was performed and H/L ratio was measured. 4. Objects were regularly pecked at. Perching was more common in females, peaked at week 5 (10% to 13% of birds perched) and declined to 0% by week 10. Aggressive pecking was more frequently observed in males in T0 than in T1 or T2 at week 10. Wing (in males and females), tail and head (in males) injuries were more common in T0 than in T1 or T2. T1 and T2 were similar Response to ACTH challenge and H/L ratio were not consistently influenced by treatments. 5. It is concluded that metal objects and straw reduced injurious pecking in young female and male turkeys by redirecting, pecking activity.     

Increase in bone strength of spent laying hens housed in modified cages with perches

The strength of the tibia was compared in 72-week-old ISA brown hens housed as groups of four for 52 weeks either in conventional cages or in cages with a 450 mm long perch, positioned either at the front or the back of the cage. The breaking strength of the bone was measured by subjecting it to a gradually increasing force on a three-point rig until it broke. The median strength of the tibia was greater in birds from cages with either front (160 Newtons [N]) or rear perches (152 N) than from conventional cages (135 N). Increased between-bird variation in the cages with perches suggests that there is scope for a further increase in bone strength by the provision of perches long enough to accommodate all the birds simultaneously. These results show that the strength of the tibia can be increased almost as much by using new designs of cage as by housing hens on the floor.     

Role of loose feathers on the development of feather pecking in laying hens

1. The effect of the presence of loose feathers (on the floor) on the behaviour and plumage condition of laying hens (Lohmann Silver, LS) was studied during the rearing and laying periods. 2. From one day old, 60 birds in each of 4 straw-bedded pens (n = 240 in total) with 6.5 birds/m(2) were either kept under conventional rearing and management conditions (CT: control group with feathers on the floor; n = 120) or in pens from which the feathers were collected from the floor 4 times/week (FR: feathers removed; n = 120). Fifty birds from each of these 4 groups (n = 200 in total) were randomly selected at the age of 16 weeks and allocated to 4 identical pens in a poultry layer house (PH; with perches and 1/3 slatted floor) with access to an outside area (winter garden, WG) at a stocking density of 6 birds/m(2) in both PH and WG. 3. Observations on feather pecking and other behaviours (feeding, drinking, preening, standing, sitting, foraging, moving and dust bathing) were carried out at 8 ages: 6, 10, 15 (rearing period), 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 weeks (laying period). Feather scoring was carried out at 15, 32 and 39 weeks of age. 4. There were no differences in feather pecking rates, forms (gentle, severe and aggressive pecks) as well as in the plumage condition between groups at the end of the rearing period. 5. Birds in the FR group exhibited lower rates and less severe feather pecking during the laying period. Accordingly, birds in the control group had worse feather condition at 32 and 39 weeks of age. Feather pecking rates within groups were, in general, greater in the afternoon compared to the morning periods. Birds in the control group were more active in walking. 6. Wings, rump, tail and back were the main targets for feather pecking. The majority of feather pecking occurred on the floor (66%) followed by feeding area (26%), perches (4%) and slats (4%). 7. Our results suggest that loose feathers on the floor may play an important role in the development and severity of feather pecking behaviour in laying hens and support the hypothesis (McKeegan and Savory, 1999) that feather pecking can be viewed as redirected foraging behaviour.     

A technique for evaluating analgesia in conscious perching birds

OBJECTIVE: To develop a technique for objective assessment of modulation of nociperception in conscious perching birds. ANIMALS: 31 adult African grey parrots. PROCEDURE: Birds were randomly assigned to receive saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (n = 10), butorphanol tartrate (11), or buprenorphine hydrochloride (10), i.m. Birds were fitted with a surface electrode on the medial metatarsus of 1 leg. An electrical stimulus was delivered to the bird's foot through an aluminum surface on half of the perch. The alternate side of the perch delivered a noxious thermal stimulus. A withdrawal response to either stimulus was recorded when the bird lifted its foot or vigorously flinched its wings. RESULTS: Responses to thermal stimuli were extremely variable during baseline testing and after administration of drugs. Thus, significant differences were not detected after drug injection. In contrast, responses to an electrical stimulus were predictable with much less variation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method and device allowed for the reliable determination of withdrawal threshold in perching birds. Use of this technique for objective assessment of modulation of nociperception in conscious perching birds will enable assessment of analgesic drugs.     

Perch Arrangements in Small-Group Furnished Cages for Laying Hens

In 2 trials, including 2,768 birds in total, 3 different perch arrangements were evaluated in furnished 8-hen cages for laying hens. The hybrids used were Lohmann Selected Leghorn and Lohmann Brown in trial 1 and Hy-Line White and Hy-Line Brown in trial 2. The furnished cages were identical in all other respects than the arrangement of perches. A perch was either fitted across the cage, providing 12 cm of perch per hen, or 2 perches were installed in a cross, implying 15 cm per hen. Although the perches arranged in a cross provided more perch per hen than the single perch fitted across the cage, perch use at night by the birds was similar or lower as compared with the single perch. Hence, the way perches are arranged in the cage may be as important as perch length itself to achieve a high use at night. Perch arrangement did not affect production, mortality, or egg quality. Compared with a conventional battery cage, also included in the trials, hygiene was inferior in the furnished cages, but there was no difference in proportions of dirty eggs. Differences in proportions of cracked eggs were found between furnished and conventional cages in 1 of the trials. However, on the whole, production, mortality, and egg quality were at similar levels in all cage models. Genotype differences were found in production traits, egg quality, hygiene, and in the use of perches and nests.     

Ability of laying hens to jump between perches: individual variation and the effects of perch separation and motivation on behaviour.

1. This study investigated the ability and the behaviour of laying hens jumping between perches 2 different distances apart using hungry and satiated birds to determine whether behaviour and success were related to motivation. 2. Four groups of 10 birds (Lohmann brown) trained to jump from one perch to another were subjected 4 times to each of the experimental treatments (2 perches with a distance of either 50 or 150 cm between them) whilst either hungry or satiated, controlling for time of day and order of presentation. 3. The behaviour of each bird on the 1st perch was observed for a maximum of 2 min or until the bird jumped from the perch. The outcome of each jump, number of head movements and steps, incidence and duration of calling, and activity score were recorded. 4. The probability of birds jumping was less at the greater distance and was not affected significantly by other experimental factors. 5. Head movements were more frequent in birds which jumped, at the shorter distance, in motivated (hungry) birds and in the morning rather than the afternoon. 6. More stepping was performed by birds which jumped and at the shorter distance; there was no significant effect of motivation or time of day on stepping rate. 7. Birds called more at the greater distance and this was interpreted as indicative of frustration. 8. Subjective scores for activity were lower when perches were separated by the greater distance and when birds were satiated (less motivated) rather than hungry. 9. Agitated head movements and stepping activity thus occurred mainly when birds were motivated and on the point of jumping whereas calling was associated with an apparent inability or unwillingness to jump.     

Control of landing flight by laying hens: implications for the design of extensive housing systems

(1) Ten domestic hens (Lohmann Brown) were video-recorded while moving between perches at a horizontal distance of 0.6, 0.8 or 1.15 m apart. The take-off perch was either 0.2 m above or below the landing perch. (2) Weight and wing area of the hens were measured at the end of the experiment. The same measures where taken from 10 jungle fowls. (3) Clumsy or missed landings were observed on some downward flights over 0.8 and 1.15 m. (4) Hens' trajectories on take-off were closely related to the position of the target perch, and variation in take-off trajectory decreased as the distance between perches increased. (5) The standard deviation of the horizontal distance between head and perch, at the point when the feet first contacted the perch, did not vary with flight distance, suggesting that timing of foot extension was equally accurate at all distances. (6) The standard deviation of the vertical distance between head and perch, at the point when the feet first contacted the perch, did increase with distance, suggesting increasing difficulty in controlling the height of the flight trajectory above the landing perch. (7) Wing loading of the hens (mean 213 N/m2) was approximately twice that of the jungle fowl (mean 111 N/m2). (8) Loss of accuracy in hens' landings at greater distances can be attributed specifically to the effects of high wing loading on the ability to generate and control lift.     

The effects of two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on the mobility of laying hens with keel bone fractures

ObjectiveInvestigate the effects of administration of meloxicam and carprofen on the mobility of hens with and without keel fractures.Study designWithin each of two experiments a ‘blinded’ randomised cross over design whereby birds received either the test drug (carprofen or meloxicam) or saline.AnimalsTwo groups of Lohman Brown hens with and without keel bone fractures.MethodsThe first group (n = 63) was treated with carprofen 25 mg kg⁻¹ and saline subcutaneously, twice. The second group (n = 40) was treated with meloxicam (5 mg kg⁻¹) and saline subcutaneously. The latency of birds to fly down from perches 50, 100 and 150 cm above the ground was measured after each treatment. Data from experiment 1 and 2 were analysed separately; the effects of drug treatment compared with saline on landing time for birds with and without keel bone fractures were evaluated using MLwiN.ResultsIn both experiments latency to fly down from perches was longer in hens with keel fractures and there was a significant interaction between perch height and fracture status. For carprofen, at the 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm perch heights, birds with fractures took (mean ± SD) 2.5 ± 2.9, 6.8 ± 9.7 and 11.5 ± 13.2 seconds respectively to fly down compared with 1.3 ± 0.5, 2.3 ± 1.2 and 4.2 ± 3.1 seconds for birds without fractures. For meloxicam, at the 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm perch heights, birds with fractures took 2.9 ± 2.5, 49.8 ± 85.4 and 100.3 ± 123.6 seconds respectively compared with 0.7 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 7.1 and 3.0 ± 4.6 seconds to fly down for birds without fractures. There was no significant effect of carprofen or meloxicam treatment.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThese data provide further confirmation that keel fractures reduce the willingness of birds to move from perches.     

Wet litter and perches as risk factors for the development of foot pad dermatitis in floor-housed hens

1. An experiment was conducted to determine whether different moisture levels of litter and perches with different hygienic conditions are involved in the manifestation of foot pad dermatitis in White Leghorn layers. 2. Four different treatments were compared: dry litter and dry perches; dry litter and wet perches; wet litter and dry perches; and wet litter and wet perches. Temperature, pH, air humidity and ammonia changes in the pens were monitored. 3. The mean prevalence of foot pad lesions in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 17%, 13%, 49% and 48% respectively. The overall incidence of foot pad lesions in birds reared on dry litter was 38%, and in birds reared on wet litter 92%. 4. When the air temperature was above 20C,an increasing moisture content in the litter was associated with an increasing incidence of foot pad dermatitis. However, when the air temperature was below 20C there were no new cases of dermatitis in any of the 4 treatments. There were no significant differences in litter pH or ammonia between the 4 treatments when compared over the whole experiment. 5. Although the incidence of lesions was not significantly affected by the presence of wet perches, the area of the lesions tended to be in groups with wet patches than in groups with dry perches. 6. It is suggested that moisture and temperature are important contributing factors for the occurrence of foot pad dermatitis in laying hens. Wet perches may contribute to the severity of such lesions.     

High dietary niacinamide and performance of male poults at 16 weeks of age

1. Male poults were fed diets with 50 and 100 mg supplemental niacinamide/kg and grown at stocking densities of 3.2 and 4.3 birds/m2 from 56 to 112 d. 2. At 50 mg/kg niacinamide high stocking density (HSD) depressed 112 d body weight and gain from 56-112d. High dietary niacinamide (100 mg/kg alleviated the growth depression under HSD but decreased body weight gain under low stocking density (LSD). 3. Dressed yield and hock width were not affected by dietary niacinamide or stocking density. 4. Dressed carcase composition was altered by stocking density. The dressed carcase of HSD birds contained 3.7% more protein and 7% less fat. 5. High dietary niacinamide tended to increase carcase protein (+2.4%) and decrease carcase fat (-4.0%).     

Behaviour of laying hens in two types of aviary systems on 25 commercial farms in Sweden

1. Fifty-one flocks of laying hens in two high-density loose-housing systems were studied on 25 commercial farms in Sweden as part of a government test programme for evaluating new systems for laying hens. Six different hybrids were used in group sizes ranging from 250 to 5 000 birds. Stocking-densities varied from 10.2 to 19.1 birds per m2 floor area. No birds were beak trimmed. 2. The distribution of birds in the system, the frequency and location of aggressive pecks and feather pecks, the dust bathing activity and the birds' fear reaction to the keeper and to a novel object were measured. Direct behaviour observations were carried out twice per flock, at weeks 35 and 55. 3. The proportion of birds at the different locations was relatively constant across the 8-h observation period in the tiered system, but changed over time in the perch system, which may reflect a difference in access to resources between the systems. At night the top perches/tiers were preferred although when stocking-density increased, other sites were also used. 4. Aggression occurred mainly on the litter or in the nest areas. It did not differ between hybrids, but increased with age in the tiered system. Feather pecks occurred mainly on the litter. Brown hybrids feather pecked more than white ones, while white hybrids reacted more both to the keeper and to a novel object than did the brown hybrids. 5. It was concluded that access to nests was insufficient in both systems, as was litter space. Feed space was insufficient in the tiered system if food requirements increased. Design of the top perches, in the perch system, should be improved to allow birds to perch high up in the system without blocking access to feed etc. for others.     

Pecking at other birds and at string enrichment devices by adult laying hens

1. Bunches of white string (polypropylene twine) are particularly attractive pecking stimuli for both chicks and adult laying hens. Furthermore, these devices can retain the birds' interest over lengthy periods. It has also been demonstrated that birds with trimmed feathers elicit feather pecking. The present study was designed to determine whether string devices would retain their attractiveness in the presence of a competing stimulus: a trimmed hen. 2. Lohmann Brown hens were reared in 20 groups of 5 in floor pens with perches from 17 weeks of age. They were exposed to one of two treatments when they were 23 weeks old. One hen was removed from every pen and the feathers on her rump were trimmed. Immediately before her return two string devices were suspended from a perch in treatment 1 whereas no devices were included in treatment 2. Pecking behaviours were immediately observed for 30 min; this procedure was repeated later that day. The devices remained in the pens used in treatment 1 and these birds were observed again for 15 min after 14 d. 3. The string devices were pecked earlier and more than either the trimmed or untrimmed hens. Furthermore, the devices were still being pecked 2 weeks after their introduction. 4. The virtual absence of severe feather pecking and of aggressive head pecks precluded test of our hypothesis that the devices would divert potentially injurious pecking away from other birds. However, the fact that the birds showed sustained interest in the devices, even in the presence of a competing stimulus, supports our proposal that string may represent a practicable and effective form of environmental enrichment.