Poultry Cannibalism: Why Birds Peck at Each Other?
Cannibalism, a result of aggressive bird behavior, may start with feather pecking. It can also occur immediately after laying, targeting the vent, comb, wattles, or soft tissues of the face and toes. However, the most common behaviors seen in cannibalism are feather pecking and vent pecking.
Since cannibalism is often linked to poor management practices, it’s crucial to include cannibalism control as part of any management program
Spotting the Signs: Identifying Cannibalism in Your Flock
Since cannibalism is caused by multiple factors, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. However, by understanding the primary causes of cannibalism, it’s best to examine each factor one by one.
Signs of injured birds include weak feathers, torn and wounded flesh. In cases of severe tissue damage, bleeding may also occur in the bird. Blood on the skin is a further stimulant for cannibalism, which can even lead to death.
One of the most common injuries during flock conflicts is damage to the vent. This is why cannibalism is more common in laying hens, especially when they lay eggs in floor systems and crowded areas. This is more common in obese laying hens.
In addition to the loss of birds due to pecking injuries, cannibalism often leads to the transmission of infectious diseases (such as erysipelas) and botulism. Finally, signs of cannibalism in poultry include:
- Pecking at feathers, skin, toes, and even the flesh of other birds
- Presence of wounded and bloody birds
- Weight loss or reduced egg production
- Damage to soft tissues of the face, such as the comb and wattles
- Increased mortality in the flock
Causes of Poultry Cannibalism: Factors Contributing to Chicken Cannibalism
To date, no single cause has been identified for cannibalism. Cannibalistic behavior is usually the result of multiple factors, which can be a combination of genetic and environmental causes. In fact, management errors, along with genetic factors in poultry farming, can predispose a flock to cannibalism. Signs of cannibalism in poultry include:
Overcrowding
A Major Factor in Chicken Cannibalism While population density is crucial for poultry farming and welfare, there is no universal recommendation for commercial broilers. Different countries and organizations have varying guidelines and recommendations. However, what is certain is that this density should be based on the weight of the bird, not the number. For example, the population density for broiler flocks in different countries is as follows:
- Canada recommends that population density should not exceed 31 kilograms per square meter.
- The National Chicken Council of the United States suggests a range of 32 to 44 kilograms per square meter, based on bird weight.
- The European Union sets a population density limit of 33 kilograms per square meter. This can be increased to 39 or 42 kilograms per square meter if specific requirements are met in accordance with their regulations.
Excessive Heat Stress as a Cause of Cannibalism in Poultry
Excessive heat in poultry, similar to humans, causes discomfort and irritable behavior. This feeling of stress and discomfort leads to aggressive behaviors in birds, which can trigger cannibalism in the flock.
Poultry are more susceptible to cannibalism in high heat. As poultry age in the poultry house, the ambient temperature increases. A general recommendation is to raise young chicks at 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week and then reduce the temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit each week until reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit or ambient temperature. Failure to reduce the rearing temperature is a common mistake that leads to problems such as cannibalism.
One possible reason for this is the increased level of urine and loss of body water along with minerals. It also increases the activity and reduces the tolerance threshold in poultry.
Article: Heat Stress in Poultry
Excessive Light or Long Light Periods as Another Factor in Chicken Cannibalism
Excessive light in the environment increases the likelihood of cannibalism in poultry. For this reason, never use incandescent white lamps with a power greater than 40 watts in incubators. Constant light is stressful for birds. Additionally, excessive light widens a bird’s field of vision. Poultry in brighter light peck at dust particles suspended in the air. Curiosity can also be a factor in pecking behavior. Pecking at toes in the first few weeks often begins out of curiosity about different colors or features. Similarly, chicks may curiously peck at any spot or stain they see on the wall or anywhere else. For the same reason, any spot, stain, or wound on another bird’s body may also provoke them to peck.
The Struggle for Survival: Feed or Water Shortages and Inadequate Access to Feeders and Waterers
Whether due to chicken feed shortages or inadequate access, birds are forced to compete for feed and water. This increases their pecking activity. In situations where the number of feeders is insufficient, poultry must queue up to use the feeders. This means that birds at the end of the line may never get a chance to eat. This leads to hunger or thirst in the birds, causing stress and aggression.
Unbalanced diets as a Cause of Poultry Cannibalism
Diets high in energy and low in fiber can lead to increased bird activity and aggression. Low fiber encourages overeating in birds. If this overeating is severe enough to cause bleeding follicles, it can lead to cannibalism in poultry. Diets deficient in protein and other nutrients, especially the amino acid methionine, can cause cannibalism in flocks. In these conditions, birds will peck at each other’s feathers. For all these reasons, it is very important that the diet be formulated based on the age, type, and purpose of the bird. Be careful about deficiencies in sulfur and salt in bird feed. Deficiencies in protein and other nutrients such as methionine and salt cause chickens to seek out blood and establish a pecking habit.
Article: Animal Feed Formulation
Mixing of different types, sizes, and colors of poultry
This is generally not done in commercial poultry farms. However, in general, larger birds may harm smaller birds. Similarly, in small farms, birds may damage each other’s feet, feathers, and combs. For this reason, it is very important not to raise these birds in the same place. This also depends on the breed of poultry.
Slow-Feathering Birds More Susceptible to Cannibalism
Slow-feathering birds are more prone to cannibalism. Poultry are usually attracted to the color red. This is why feeders and drinkers in poultry farms are red. For this reason, seeing the color red on the bodies of birds increases the likelihood of cannibalism. Because the skin of birds is pink, or sometimes the smallest wound or bleeding on the body is more visible. As a result, birds with immature and sparse feathers are more susceptible to pecking injuries.
Sudden Changes in Environment or Management Practices
Sudden changes in the environment also irritate poultry. Chickens are creatures that are stressed by changes. Sudden changes and stress cause them to not enjoy their environment. In general, stress in birds causes cannibalistic behavior. Therefore, moving and changing location, moving feeders and drinkers can cause concern in birds. Any factor that makes a chicken unfamiliar will lead it to aggressive and cannibalistic behavior.
Poultry Infested with Parasites as a Factor in Cannibalism
Internal and external parasites and parasitic diseases cause poultry to peck at each other. Healthy chickens, out of curiosity and self-preservation, peck at sick or injured birds. Excessive pecking at feathers leads to cannibalistic behavior in the bird.
Prolapse
Prolapse of the cloaca is a serious disease in laying hens, where a portion of the large intestine or cloaca protrudes from the bird’s body. This usually occurs in obese laying hens. As a result of this protrusion, other birds in the flock peck at it out of curiosity. Pecking causes bleeding and quickly spreads cannibalism in the flock. Proper management of the introduction of birds into production and appropriate feeding practices can prevent this problem. Obese birds should receive a lower-energy diet.
Adding or Removing Birds from the Flock
Adding or removing birds from the flock also causes stress. Adding poultry occurs more often in breeder flocks. When a rooster is added to the flock, or in backyard farms. Birds of different species are added to the farm. In these conditions, it may take a week for the flock to establish a new pecking order, and during this time, it may lead to cannibalism.
Presence of Disabled or Injured Birds in the Flock
In a flock of birds, due to social order and curiosity, birds peck at disabled or dead birds in their cage. Once pecking begins, it can quickly become a vicious habit.
Controlling Cannibalism in Poultry: Methods to Curb Cannibalistic Behavior
Controlling cannibalism in poultry can be achieved by modifying or reducing the contributing factors. However, this must be done as soon as signs are observed. If the pecking habit becomes established, it will be difficult to eliminate and the flock will suffer high mortality rates.
Ultimately, to treat cannibalism in chickens, the following can be done:
- Identify and quickly resolve the underlying issues. First, try to identify and address any factors that may be contributing to cannibalism.
- Check the house temperature. Adjust the temperature according to the age, density, and season. If necessary, reduce the house temperature.
- Check all light entry points. If there is light from the heaters, close all additional light openings. Check the light on and off times and follow the recommendations for the specific breed.
- Check the flock density. If the density is high, reduce the flock density.
- Check access to feeders and waterers. Poultry should not fight each other for access to water and feed. Chicks should not go hungry or thirsty. Address the problematic factors quickly.
- Remove injured, disabled, or sick birds from the flock. Injured birds, due to the presence of wounds on their bodies, stimulate aggressive behavior in the flock. Therefore, having an infirmary in the poultry house is essential as it helps to separate sick birds from healthy ones. If aggressive behavior is observed in birds, it is best to remove these birds from the flock as soon as possible.
- Remove aggressive and quarrelsome birds from the flock. These birds, due to their developing a wild nature, not only harm other birds but also cause rapid spread of cannibalism in the flock.
- To treat cannibalism, use anti-pecking ointments or sprays on injured birds. Sprays like oxytetracycline (OTC), if the wound has not reached the abdominal cavity, treat it and also hide the wound and blood due to its purplish-blue color.
- Use red or blue light in the poultry house. The use of red light is recommended in this situation because it makes it difficult for birds to detect the color red. In some cases, blue color is also recommended to create a calming effect.
- Use red or blue light in the poultry house. Using red light is recommended in this situation because it makes it difficult for birds to detect the red color. In some cases, blue color is also recommended to create a calming effect.
- Check the flock’s diet. If all other issues have been resolved and the problem persists in the flock, be sure to check the flock’s diet. If necessary, have the feed tested to ensure that all necessary nutrients are present. Sometimes adding salt to the water can help. If needed, adding 300 to 500 grams of salt to 1000 liters of water can also help reduce disease.
- Consult with a specialist. If you have tried these strategies and are still having problems with pecking in your flock, contact a veterinarian or specialist for further assistance.
Field-tested tips for preventing cannibalism
As a field-tested approach, some poultry farmers have found that providing visual distractions, like red plastic objects, can help to redirect the birds’ attention away from cannibalistic behaviors. Additionally, the traditional practice of hanging metal cans offers an alternative target for pecking.
Preventing Cannibalism: How to Prevent Poultry from Eating Each Other
The simplest way to control and prevent cannibalism is through proper poultry management. In general, cannibalism is not a common disease in poultry flocks. This disease usually occurs due to mismanagement in the poultry house. If all management practices in the flock are done correctly, it is very unlikely that the flock will experience this problem. Therefore, the simplest way to control and prevent cannibalism is through proper poultry management. Such tasks include:
- • Using complete feed or diet: Ensure that your flock’s diet is rich in nutrients and sufficient salt. The use of fiber is very important for poultry. In traditional systems, they use high-fiber greens such as clover or medicinal plants. Proper feed for the flock is one of the most important factors in preventing this disease. A good feed should provide all the necessary nutrients, protein, and energy for the flock according to the breed and age of the flock. For this reason, it is very important to buy feed from a reliable source. We recommend Jahan Kaveh feed for broiler flocks, which is also certified by HACCP and GMP.
Product: Purchase of Jahan Kaveh broiler feed
- Optimize flock density: Calculate the flock density before placing day-old chicks in the poultry house. Ensure that the number of feeders and waterers is adequate to accommodate the flock size and that they are strategically placed to minimize competition for resources. Overcrowding can lead to increased aggression and cannibalism. Chicks should not fight over food and water or rush towards the feeders and waterers.
- Implement a controlled lighting program: Monitor lighting levels in the poultry house to prevent excessive stimulation. Seal any gaps or openings that allow natural light to enter. Maintain a consistent light cycle, as prolonged exposure to light can increase the risk of cannibalistic behavior. Consider using low-wattage red or infrared lamps in brooding areas to provide supplemental heat without excessive visual stimulation. When raising poultry for 12 weeks or more, use 15 or 25-watt lamps above feeding and watering areas. For older birds, limit the daily light cycle to 16 hours or less.
- Maintain optimal temperature conditions: Continuously monitor the temperature within the poultry house using accurate thermometers. Adjust the temperature as needed based on the age, breed, and production phase of the birds.
Article: Concerning the temperature of broiler chicken rearing houses, we have extensively discussed this topic in our article on broiler
- Separating Disabled Birds from the Flock: Birds with physical disabilities such as blindness, lameness, or beak deformities are more susceptible to attacks from other birds.
- Beak Trimming in Laying Hens: Due to the higher incidence of this behavior in laying hens, beak trimming is often performed to prevent birds from harming themselves, their eggs, or other flock members. Shortening the upper beak reduces the likelihood of injury. This procedure can be done at one day of age and repeated between 6 and 12 weeks in pullets or growing turkeys. Beak trimming can also be performed using infrared heat on hatch day, minimizing stress to the chicks.
- Use of Mechanical Devices: The use of mechanical devices such as plastic eye protectors or blinders is recommended for aggressive birds like game birds, such as pheasants.
- Disease Control: Implement a regular vaccination program and maintain strict hygiene in the poultry house.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the poultry house has adequate ventilation to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.
- Reducing Stressors: Minimize stressors such as loud noises and sudden changes in the environment.
Note: Cannibalism is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to control. For more information and expert advice, consult with a veterinarian or poultry specialist.
Article: Poultry Farming Calculations
In traditional farming systems, shiny metal cans are sometimes used to entertain poultry. These cans glitter in the sunlight and attract the birds’ attention, diverting them from pecking at each other. For backyard flocks or as a form of enrichment, you can provide fresh greens like clover or weeds daily. Small portions of green alfalfa sprouts also give birds something to peck at. Never introduce a new bird to an existing flock in a confined space. Gradually acclimate them to each other. Pay close attention to smaller birds. Avoid using incandescent white bulbs over 40 watts during chick growth. If you need a heat lamp, use an infrared one. For birds 12 weeks or older, use 15–25-watt bulbs in their living area. Avoid keeping the environment lit for more than 16 hours a day.
Is cannibalism in poultry contagious?
No, cannibalism is not a viral disease that can be transmitted. It’s a behavioral disorder that arises from a combination of factors leading to alterations in the bird’s temperament. This behavior is typically acquired through social learning within the flock.
:Refrence
