CLASSIFICATION OF METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF INJURIOUS PECKING IN GAME BIRDS AND POULTRY

Authors

  • S. Nikolov Department Anatomy, Physiology and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry, Sofia, Bulgaria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15547/tjs.2025.02.009

Keywords:

harmful behaviour, feather pecking, cannibalism, game birds, poultry

Abstract

The fight to control injurious pecking in routine practice in game birds (pheasants, partridges, quails, etc.) or in poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys, etc.) farming is divided into two basic groups of methods. The first group consists of direct (symptomatic) methods that aim to stop the damaging behaviour, through individual manipulations on the birds, without correcting the predisposing factors. These include beak manipulations (thermal and mechanical beak trimming, the use of special devices such as spectacles, bits, bumpabits, etc.), administration of medications (sedatives, tranquilizers, and repellents), and the identification and isolation of cannibalistic birds for individual treatment. The second group includes indirect (management) methods that address the predisposing factors for IP. These approaches take time to show results and do not stop pecking immediately, but are essential for the long-term prevention of feather pecking and cannibalism. They include adjustments in nutrition, lighting and changes in the spatial parameters of breeding, as well as environmental enrichment. In poultry, the most innovative method to counteract this harmful behaviour include genetic and molecular approaches, through the development of selection programs.

References

Draycott, R.A.H., M.I.A. Woodburn, J.P. Carroll and R.B. Sage, Effects of spring supplementary feeding on population density and breeding success of released pheasants Phasianus colchicus in Britain. Wildl Biological, 11:177-182, 2005.

Hrabcakova, P., I. Bedanova, E. Voslarova, V. Pistekova and V. Vecerek, Evaluation of tonic immobility in common pheasant hens kept in different housing systems during laying period. Archiv fur Tierzucht, 55:626-632, 2012.

Kjaer, J.B., Effects of stocking density and group size on the condition of the skin and feathers of pheasant chicks. Veterinary Record, 154:556-558, 2004.

Van Krimpen, M.M., R.P. Kwakkel, B.F.J. Reuvekamp, C.M.C. Van Der Peet-Schwering, L.A. Den Hartog & M.W.A. Verstegen, Impact of feeding management on feather pecking in laying hens. Worlds Poultry Science Journal, 61:663–685, 2005.

Birkl, P., L. Frankeb, T. Bas Rodenburgc, E. Ellend and A. Harlander-Matauscheka, A role for plasma aromatic amino acids in injurious pecking behavior in laying hens. Physiology & Behavior, 175:88–96, 2017.

Gilani, A.M., T.G. Knowles and C.J. Nicol, The effect of rearing environment on feather pecking in young and adult laying hens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 148:54-63, 2013.

Nicol C.J., M. Bestman, A.M. Gilani, E.N. de Haas, I.C. de Jong, S.L. Lambton, J.P. Wagenaar, C.A. Weeks and T.B. Rodenburg, The prevention and control of feather pecking: application to commercial systems. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 69:775-788, 2013.

Sedlackova, M., B. Bilcik and L. Kostal, Feather pecking in laying hens: Environmental and endogenous factors. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 73:521-531, 2004.

de Haas, E.N., J.E. Bolhuis, I.C. de Jong, B. Kemp, A.M. Janczac and T.B. Rodenburg, Predicting feather damage in laying hens during the laying period. Is it the past or is it the present? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 160:75-85, 2014

Nikolov, S. and D. Kanakov, Types and clinical presentation of damaging behaviour - feather pecking and cannibalism in birds, Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 25:3, 2022, 349-358, 2022.

Nikolov, S. and D. Kanakov, Influencing factors leading to damaging behavior - feather pecking and cannibalism in game birds. Trakia Journal of Sciences, 18:4, 377-387, 2020.

Staack, M., B. Gruber, C. Keppler, K. Zaludik, K. Niebuhr and U. Knierim, Importance of the rearing period for laying hens in alternative systems. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, 114:86–90, 2007.

Dennis, R.L., A.G. Fahey and H.W. Cheng, Infrared beak treatment method compared with conventional hot-blade trimming in laying hens. Poultry Science, 88:38-43, 2009.

Cloutier, S., R.C. Newberry, C.T. Foster and K.M. Girsberger, Does pecking at inanimate stimuli predict cannibalistic behaviour in domestic fowl? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 66:119–133, 2000.

Bolhuis, J.E., E.D. Ellen, C.G. Van Reenen, J. De Groot, J.T. Napel, R.E. Koopmanschap, G.D.V. Reilingh, K.A. Uitdehaag, B. Kemp and T.B. Rodenburg, Effects of genetic group selection against mortality on behavior and peripheral serotonin in domestic laying hens with trimmed and intact beaks. Physiology & Behavior, 97:470–475, 2009.

Lambton, S.L., C.J. Nicol, M. Friel, D.C.J. Main, J.L. McKinstry, C.M. Sherwin, J. Walton and C.A. Weeks, A bespoke management package can reduce the levels of injurious pecking in loose housed laying hen flocks. Veterinary Record, 172:423-430, 2013.

Lambton, S.L., T.G. Knowles, C. Yorke and C.J. Nicol, The risk factors affecting the development of gentle and SFP in loose housed laying hens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 123:32–42, 2010.

Freire, R., P.C. Glatz and G. Hinch, Self-administration of an analgesic does not alleviate pain in beak-trimmed chickens. Asian-Australasian Journal Animal Science, 21:443-448, 2008.

Freire, R., M.A., Eastwood and M. Joyce, Minor beak trimming in chickens leads to loss of mechanoreception and magnetoreception. Journal Animal Science, 89:1201-1206, 2011.

Jongman, E.C., P.C. Glatz and J.L. Barnett, Changes in behaviour of laying hens following beak trimming at hatch and re-trimming at 14 weeks. Asian-Australasian journal of Animal Sciences, 21:291–298, 2008.

Van de Weerd, H.A. and A. Elson, Rearing factors that influence the propensity for injurious feather pecking in laying hens. World's Poultry Science Journal, 62:654-664, 2006.

Butler, D.A. and C. Davis, Effects of plastic bits on the condition and behaviour of captive-reared pheasants. Veterinary Record, 166:398-401, 2010.

Markarian, M., Diseases of birds and avian embryos, BG, 183-185, 1998.

Schaible, P.J., J.A. Davidson and S.L. Bandemer, Cannibalism and feather picking in chicks as influenced by certain changes in a specific ration. Poultry Science, 26:651–656, 1947.

Madsen, H., On feather picking and cannibalism in pheasant and partridge chicks, particularly in relation to the amino acid arginine. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 7:272-287, 1966.

Hoffmeyer, I., Feather pecking in pheasants - an ethological approach to the problem. Danish Review of Game Biology, 6:1–36, 1969.

Steenfeldt, S., R.M. Engberg and J.B. Kjaer, Feeding roughage to laying hens affects egg production, gastro-intestinal parameters and mortality. In Proceedings of the 13th European symposium on poultry nutrition., Blankenbergen, 2001.

Taylor, P.E., G.B. Scott and P. Rose, The ability of domestic hens to jump between horizontal perches: effects of light intensity and perch colour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 83:99-108. 2003.

Prescott, N.B., C.M. Wathes and J.R. Jarvis, Light, vision and the welfare of poultry. Animal Welfare, 12:269–288, 2003.

Nickla, D.L., C.F. Wildsoet and D. Troilo, Endogenous rhythms in axial length and choroidal thickness in chicks: Implications for ocular growth regulation. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 42:584-588, 2001.

Lambton, S.L., T.G. Knowles, C. Yorke and C.J. Nicol, The risk factors affecting the development of vent pecking and cannibalism in free-range and organic laying hens. Animal Welfare, 24:101-111, 2015.

Estevez, I., I.L. Andersen and E. Nævdal, Group size, density and social dynamics in farm animals. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 103:185–204, 2007.

Daigle, C.L., Chapter 11 - Controlling Feather Pecking and Cannibalism in Egg Laying Flocks. In: Patricia Hester (ed.) Egg Innovations and Strategies for Improvements. London, UK: Academic Press., 111-121, 2017.

Kjaer, J.B. and P.F. Johnsen, Effect of stocking density/group size and environmental enrichment on feather pecking and plumage condition in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and partridges (Perdix perdix). Proceedings of the 34th International Congress of the ISAE. Florianopolis, Brazil, 49, 2000.

Blokhuis, H.J. and J.W. Van Der Haar, Effects of pecking incentives during rearing on feather pecking of laying hens. British Poultry Science, 33:17–24, 1992.

Dixon, L.M. and I.J.H. Duncan, Changes in substrate access did not affect early feather-pecking behavior in two strains of laying hen chicks. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 13:1-14, 2010.

Knierim, U., M. Staack, B. Gruber, C. Keppler, K. Zaludik and K. Niebuhr, Risk factors for feather pecking in organic laying hens-starting points for prevention in the housing environment. 16th IFOAM Organic World Congress, Modena, Italy, 2008.

Kjaer, J.B., P. Sørensen and G. Su, Divergent selection on feather pecking behaviour in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 71:229–239, 2001.

Rodenburg, T.B., F.A.M. Tuyttens, K. De Reu, L. Herman, J. Zoons and B. Sonck, Welfare assessment of laying hens in furnished cages and non-cage systems: an on-farm comparison. Animal Welfare, 17:363-373, 2008.

Muir, W.M., Incorporation of competitive effects in forest tree or animal breeding programs. Genetic, 170:1247–59, 2005.

Ellen E.D., J. Visscher, J.A.M. Van Arendonk and P. Bijma, Survival of laying hens: Genetic parameters for direct and associative effects in three purebred layer lines. Poultry Science, 87:233–239, 2008.

Ellen, E.D., W.M. Muir and P. Bijma, Genetic improvement of traits affected by interactions among individuals: sib selection schemes. Genetics, 176:489–499, 2007.

Rodenburg, T.B., K.A. Uitdehaag, E.D. Ellen and J. Komen, The effects of selection on low mortality and brooding by a mother hen on open-field response, feather pecking and cannibalism in laying hens. Animal Welfare, 18:427-432, 2009.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-24

How to Cite

CLASSIFICATION OF METHODS FOR THE PREVENTION AND CORRECTION OF INJURIOUS PECKING IN GAME BIRDS AND POULTRY. (2025). TRAKIA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 23(2), 7. https://doi.org/10.15547/tjs.2025.02.009

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.