Preventing feather pecking in laying hens

With an increase of keeping layers in free range systems, the incidence of feather pecking also increases. Research on this matter indicates, however, that breeding for low mortality and providing natural rearing conditions, results in less pecking and cannibalism. Translating these findings into commercial practice is the next step. By Dr. Bas Rodenburg , Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Wageningen University, the Netherlands Feather pecking and cannibalism remain major welfare issues in t