Too close for comfort

Although the introduction of scratch areas has arguably brought about welfare benefits for the laying hen, it is becoming increasingly apparent that birds are now dying as a direct result of their usage. Smothering problems on the litter may not be well publicised but BFREPA Vice Chairman, John Widdowson, believes it is a problem not just restricted to his unit. "For us, it has been evident to varying degrees right from the start," said John. And whereas John previously recorded any birds dying in this way with the general mortality figure, by now recording it separately he has had to face the stark reality that in extreme cases it is costing the lives of two to three per cent of the flock. "I find it most disheartening. It is one thing to accept birds dying from disease but to continually find dead but otherwise healthy birds, usually in full production, is most depressing," said John. The realisation that the problem is now running at an unacceptable level has led him to take steps he feels will alleviate it. But although these steps may help, it is not the complete answer. "In some instances we have lost birds right next to the pophole, and in the middle of the scratch area well away from the perimeter," said John.

So why do they do it? Although smothers are often put down to panic, it appears not to be the reason in this case. "It usually starts as the birds reach peak production, and is a result of the hens coming together in what could be best described as a giant scrum, and with more and more birds joining the swaying mass the birds in the middle stand little chance," said John. "To some extent this phenomenon occurred when the birds were on slats, but the difference being there was sufficient air movement underneath to prevent suffocation."

It would seem that John is not alone in experiencing this problem, and alternative systems consultant Mick Dennett told the Ranger it was a problem for all producers using veranda type litter areas. "In some cases it is just a few birds at a time but it can involve colossal amounts ," said Mr Dennett. "There is no one reason, but I suspect it often coincides with a viral challenge that goes unnoticed by the producer – the symptoms being so subtle, but the hens have a tendency to go very docile and could well be seeking warmth," said Mick. "It is also worse where the scratch area is less then 10 feet wide".

It would seem that space might be an influencing factor, and the positioning of the litter. Jeff Verguson, whose former company Countryside Products and now part of the Thames Valley group, has designed its free range systems around integral litter, feels the problem is less prevalent in this situation. "We do still see smothering, but not in any great numbers," Jeff told the Ranger. "The worst instance I’ve seen was in a six foot wide veranda, but conversely I have also known it occur where birds have been housed on just litter at seven birds per metre". Yet John Widdowson’s verandas are twelve foot wide and the litter area amounts to 40 % of the total space available in favour of the required 33%. "What is quite clear is there is a multitude of factors to take into account when looking for an answer," said John. "If I could offer just one tiny clue, it is that we have two scratch areas that are built adjacent to a hedge and it doesn’t happen in there for some reason. And the main difference – less natural light, sheltered from the weather and the popholes are at one end rather than spread down the side," explained John. On the basis of this knowledge one would immediately suspect shafts of sunlight attracting the hens to one particular area, but John dismisses that theory. "It happens on cloudy days as well," said John.

Clearly the incidence of smothers is a major problem and the Ranger asked Dr. Martin Potter, head of the RSPCA’s Farm Animal Department for his view. "I have to say I am somewhat surprised to hear it is at the level suggested," said Dr. Potter, "But we will only know if producers themselves tell us. The provision of litter is an important part of the Freedom Food code, but nevertheless I am concerned to hear of losses in this way. I would urge all producers to discuss any such problems with the Freedom Food Assessors or our own inspection team, and hopefully we may begin working jointly towards finding an answer."

Likewise, if readers of the Ranger wish to share their experiences with other producers, please contact the Editor. Equally important is to hear from those producers who never see the problem, and maybe we might just start to get to the bottom of one of the many aspects of keeping hens that we still know nothing about.