• This site requires you to update your browser. Your browsing experience may be affected by not having the most up to date version.
    Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ to upgrade.

  • JavaScript has been disabled in your browser. Please enable JavaScript to experience the full functionality of our website.

For Farmers
Free range farmers on range

Farm Sustainability Dashboard

The Farm Sustainability Dashboard has been designed to improve industry best practice and meet evolving community expectations. It has been created for business owners and is appropriate for farms of all sizes.

Effects of rearing on inappropriate conflict behaviours that predispose feather pecking and subsequent plumage damage, and cannibalism

  • Organisation University of Sydney

Effects of rearing on inappropriate conflict behaviours that predispose feather pecking and subsequent plumage damage, and cannibalism

Cannibalistic pecking reduced thereby improving animal welfare, flock performance and uniformity

1US111

The objective of this project was to identify relevant rearing factors that affect the development of severe feather pecking and injurious pecking directed at other birds, using the free range egg laying system as a model for the research. To achieve this in a non-cage system, a model for eliciting feather pecking was required. The proposed model involved manipulation of environmental stimuli during rearing and prediction of the onset of the behaviour in the adult birds, that is during the layer phase of production on a free range housing system. The research findings will enable improved management strategies to be developed to benefit hen welfare and improve productivity of free range flocks.

Want to see what an egg farm looks like? Take this interactive 360 degree tour to see how eggs are produced in Australia.

Free range farm with two people