Improving stockperson attitudes to chickens

This project was conducted to determine whether improvements in attitudes to chickens occur among stockpeople working with layer hens, if they participate in a workshop to learn how to train chickens using a training bridge (clicker). Positive behavioural change among stockpeople may lead to improved animal welfare and higher productivity. This would have economic benefits and also potentially social benefits, as workers may find their work less frustrating if they recognise the mental abilities of chickens and utilise effective methods of training the animals they work with. The study has demonstrated that chicken clicker training classes can change stockperson attitudes to chickens in positive ways.