Farmed Animals

Chicken Feather Pecking and Cannibalism

Feather pecking and cannibalism in laying hens are welfare crises caused by crowding, boredom, and inappropriate lighting.

Key Facts

Feather pecking affects 30-80% of commercial laying flocks
Severe feather pecking leads to cannibalism and death
Beak trimming is standard practice to reduce injury from pecking
Crowded, barren environments are the primary driver of the behavior
Providing perches, nesting boxes, and litter eliminates most pecking

Welfare Considerations

Feather pecking and cannibalism are not natural hen behaviors but emergency responses to overcrowded, understimulating environments. Hens experiencing severe pecking suffer painful wounds that attract further attack. Beak trimming to manage the problem causes acute pain and may result in chronic pain from neuroma formation. Addressing the root cause through better housing is more effective and more humane.

What You Can Do

Choose eggs from certified higher-welfare systems
Support minimum space requirements for laying hens
Advocate for beak trimming bans paired with enriched housing requirements
Reduce egg consumption to lower demand for intensive laying operations