Laying hens maintain complex social hierarchies that significantly affect individual welfare, with flock size and management determining whether the pecking order causes harm.
In natural conditions, hens form stable social hierarchies where every individual knows their rank relative to others, reducing the need for constant conflict. Industrial flock sizes of thousands make stable hierarchy formation impossible, creating chronic social instability and aggression. Low-ranking hens in unstable groups face repeated aggression, reduced access to resources, and chronic stress. Beak trimming treats the symptom; addressing flock size and resource provision treats the cause.