This post includes the following sections:
Group effects
* Group size
* Stocking density
Range
Pecking objects
* Pecking blocks
* Other pecking objects
Further reading
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Group effects
Group size
Both scientific and practical experiences indicate that injurious pecking is easier to control in smaller flocks. Therefore, it is advisable to divide flocks into smaller colonies. This is usually achieved by introducing wire fencing in the house. The free-range is often not divided, and as long as there is not too much migration of birds between sections this is not a problem.
European legislation does not set a maximum for flock size, but has limited colony size for organic houses to a maximum of 3000 hens. National legislation or private standards may limit total flock size. For regular layers some local standards can set a limit for total flock size (e.g. RSPCA: 32,000 (barn) or 16,000 (free range)). Also colony size may be regulated by local standards (e.g. 4000 (RSPCA) or 6000 (KAT) per colony). The variation in these standards indicates that there is no clear evidence for a particular maximum colony size. The given numbers are based on a combination of practical experience and economic feasibility.
Stocking density
Maximum stocking density is legally determined. Lower stocking densities are economically less attractive, but could eventually be profitable, if there are fewer incidences of injurious pecking. Although there is no scientific evidence, practical experiences indicate that lower stocking densities reduce the risk for injurious pecking. Use of the free range also helps, as stocking density in the house will decrease as more birds are encouraged to move outside.
Range
Managing the range properly will help attract the birds outside and keep the disease risk low. Management has a lot to do with arranging and maintaining the equipment and facilities of the range. See for examples the Free Range subsection of Housing.

Pecking objects
Pecking blocks
Pecking blocks keep the birds occupied and also slightly blunt the beaks. There are different types of blocks. Sandstone blocks (building material) have been used in the past, however as their content is not known and it is unclear what the birds are eating, special pecking blocks have been developed. These contain beneficial minerals and often edible substances such as grain. Pecking blocks can be placed in the litter or on the slatted floors. If space is limited, pecking blocks can be divided into smaller pieces and/or suspended on strings.
Pecking blocks are best used if they are already introduced in the rearing period. There is some variation between genotypes, but hens that are only provided with pecking blocks in the laying period, often hardly use them (see also the Hennovation flyer on Pecking Blocks).


Other pecking objects
Pecking objects intended to keep the birds occupied can basically be anything that is cheap and attracts the birds. Articles often used include:
- Strings of rope, hanging down
- CDs suspended on strings
- Plastic bottles, half filled with water, suspended on strings
- Empty plastic jerry cans, laying in the litter or on the slatted floor
- Drawing dots or crosses onto these items with marker pen can increase their attractiveness as pecking objects.


Further reading
SPECIFIC
English
- Feather Pecking and Cannibalism in Small and Backyard Poultry Flocks. Jacob, J. May 2015 (short article).
- Cannibalism in Poultry. Halls, A. 2011 (Short article).
- Animal Welfare Approved Technical Advice Fact Sheet No. 5 – Injurious Feather Pecking in Laying Hens. Bassett A., 2009 (Short article).
Scientific
Nederlands
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Kippen houden zonder verenpikken. De biologische legpluimveehouderij als uitgangspunt. Bestman, M.W.P. 2002. (Report, 100 pp. 2,7 MB). |
Combinatie van factoren tegen verenpikken. Van Niekerk, T., 2013 (Kort overzicht en link naar rapporten).
GENERAL
English
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FeatherWel management guide [pdf, 5.49mb] | AssureWel advice guide [pdf, 661kb] |
- A guide to the practical management of feather pecking and cannibalism in free range laying hens. Defra, 2005 (html)
- Animal welfare on organic farms. Fact sheet series reducing the risk of feather pecking for laying hens in organic egg production. Produced in consultation with the ECOA Animal Welfare Task Force, February 2009
- Controlling feather pecking & cannibalism in laying hens without beak trimming. Pickett H., July 2008 Compassion in World Farming
- Controlling feather pecking & cannibalism in laying hens without beak trimming. Pickett H., October 2009. Compassion in World Farming. This report reviews the evidence from the scientific literature and from practical experience.
- Feather pecking and cannibalism on OrganicVet.Co.UK
Nederlands
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Noodmaatregelen tegen pikkerij [Treatment of FP]. Van Niekerk et al. 2013 (Report, 32 pp). | Van kuiken tot kip [Prevention of FP]. Van Niekerk et al.2011 (Report, 32 pp). | Hennovation flyer over Pikblokken |
Dansk
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Fjerpilningsnøgle [Feather pecking key]. Johansen, N.F. 2013 (Report, 48 pp). |
- Fjerpilning og fjerpilningsnøgle, Johansen, N.F. 2013 (webpage).