Feather pecking advice free from Defra

Defra’s latest guide for free range egg producers contains some sound, down-to-earth recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of a feather pecking outbreak.

But in keeping with much of the advice presently available, the guide offers no guarantee that the problem can be solved.

“The very unpredictable nature of feather pecking should not be underestimated,” spells out Defra’s “Guide to the Practical Management of Feather Pecking & Cannibalism in Free Range Laying Hens. “It is often not clear what the trigger factor is.”

It even goes on to point out that some of the techniques described may reduce pecking but may also trigger other husbandry problems.

But despite these caveats the guide will prove a useful source of information, particularly for new entrants or employees undergoing training. Its contents are based on the views expressed at the nationwide round of workshops organised by ADAS last year and previously reported in the Ranger

Not for the first time the focus is turned onto the rearer and Defra pinpoints one of the most important factors in reducing the pecking risk as matching the housing conditions in rear with those on the laying unit, including feeder and drinker systems.

It stresses the importance of good quality pullets with even weights and a “robust temperament”.

“The way birds are managed during the rearing phase is widely felt to play an essential part in achieving a pullet with this robust temperament,” it says. “Pullet suppliers often adopt a variety of approaches to try and develop these positive behavioural traits.”

When it comes to the laying unit the guide lists five factors that may reduce the pecking risk. These are minimising the stress of pullet transfer; maximising the use of the range area particularly with shelters, trees or bushes; good management; good house design; and good litter quality.

When it comes to factors that increase pecking the guide targets:

• Penning the birds off litter for a prolonged period when ‘nest box training’. It warns this is not only stressful it may contravene egg marketing regulations.

• Changes in feed.

• Changes in environment including sudden noises like those caused by low flying aircraft, equipment breakdowns and predators.

• Disease challenges

• Red mite and vermin

• Lighting variations

• Birds coming into lay too early.

While Defra says that the guidance contained in the booklet is based on best practice found in the field, it does caution that for some of the suggestions no research work has been undertaken to scientifically validate the findings.

The guide is due to be published next month and will be available free of charge from Defra Publications. Tel: 08459 556000.