Farm Animals

Hen Feather Pecking and Feather Cover

Feather pecking in laying hens ranges from gentle pecking to severe plucking and cannibalism, causing pain, compromised thermoregulation, and death in affected birds.

Key Facts

Severe feather pecking affects a significant proportion of flocks in some production systems
Root causes include inadequate foraging substrate, excessive light intensity, and crowding
Beak trimming reduces severe pecking but causes pain and compromises normal feeding behaviour
Provision of foraging substrate and appropriate lighting are key preventive measures
Mortality from feather pecking can reach several percent in severe outbreaks

Welfare Considerations

Feather pecking prevention requires addressing environmental, nutritional, and social root causes rather than relying on beak trimming as the primary intervention. Good flock management and early identification of outbreaks is essential. Feather cover scoring provides welfare assessment data.

What You Can Do

Advocate for feather pecking prevention standards that address root causes
Support research into feather pecking and cost-effective prevention strategies
Choose higher welfare eggs from flocks with documented feather pecking management