Specifications

PECKING BEHAVIOR

Aggressive, abnormal pecking behavior is a common and serious welfare and economic threat to poultry farming.

PECKStone™ poultry blocks can help decrease this harmful behavior, thus increasing poultry productivity. Newer housing systems in poultry farming may increase feather pecking, incidences of skeletal injuries, and mortality^1,2 – one of the key current issues in the poultry industry.

• 55-80% of producers report signs of feather pecking—many want to know how to stop feather pecking in chickens
• Preventing poultry behavioral disorders is ideal
• Once abnormal pecking starts, it’s very difficult to stop
• It is critical to diagnose and intervene immediately to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism in chickens

Environmental enrichment with poultry supplies and equipment can help:

• Satisfy birds’ extremely strong desire to forage, scratch, and peck.
• Minimize undesirable, harmful behavior, including aggression, feather pecking, cannibalism, flightiness, and distress.
• Enhance animal welfare.

National and global poultry organizations have developed guidelines for poultry management that are increasingly focused on animal welfare and enrichment.

“Thus, the main practical strategy to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism is to provide and adequate substrate throughout life, from the start of the rearing period onwards.”³
References:
1. Lay DC Jr., Fulton RM, Hester PY, et al. Hen welfare in different housing systems. Poult Sci. 2011;90:278-294.
2. Weeks CA, Nicol CJ. Behavioural needs, priorities and preferences of laying hens. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2006;62:296-307.
3. Blokhuis HJ, Wiepkema PR. Studies of feather pecking in poultry. Vet Q. 1998 Jan;20(1):6-9