Farm Animals

Poultry Feather Pecking Prevention Strategies

Evidence-based prevention strategies for feather pecking in laying hens, a major welfare problem in poultry.

Key Facts

Severe feather pecking affects significant proportions of laying hen flocks
Feather pecking has complex multifactorial causes including fear, nutrition, and boredom
Provision of adequate dietary fibre reduces feather pecking incidence
Range use and outdoor access are associated with lower feather pecking rates
Genetic selection for lower feather pecking propensity is an emerging strategy

Welfare Considerations

Feather pecking causes significant pain and distress through open wounds and loss of insulating plumage, and prevention requires addressing multiple risk factors.

What You Can Do

Support farms implementing evidence-based feather pecking prevention
Advocate for feather cover scoring as a mandatory welfare indicator
Choose eggs from hens with good feather condition records