An evaluation of the effect of operant feeders on welfare of hens maintained on litter

• Published in: Applied animal behaviour science Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 211 - 227
• Main Authors: Lindberg, A.C., Nicol, C.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 1994
• Subjects: abnormal behaviour; alimentacion de los animales; alimentation des animaux; animal feeding; animal welfare; bien etre animal; bienestar animal; comportamiento anormal; comportement anormal; Feather pecking; gallina ponedora; layer chickens; Laying hens; Operant feeders; poule pondeuse; Laying hens; Feather pecking; Operant feeders
• ISSN: 0168-1591; 1872-9045
• DOI: 10.1016/0168-1591(94)90024-8

Operant feeding was evaluated as a potential method for preventing feather pecking in laying hens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). It was hoped to reduce feather pecking by redirecting pecking from feathers to operant feeders. The first experiment ascertained that no training was required for hens to use operant feeders and there was little evidence of habituation. A second experiment examined the effects of modifications to the operant feeders. A third experiment studied food preferences for the operant feeders and selected the preferred food for use in some of the subsequent trials to encourage hens to use the operant feeders. Data from seven different flocks of deep litter hens were then analysed using a Logistic Regression Model, to identify those risk factors associated with operant feeding that might contribute to feather pecking. The use of operant feeders was associated with an increased risk of feather pecking when compared with groups exposed only to conventional ad libitum feeders. When operant feeders were used exclusively, six out of six flocks developed feather pecking, whereas when operant feeders were combined with conventional feeders only six out of 18 flocks started to feather peck ( χ 2=21.68; P<0.001). The analysis revealed that the risk of feather pecking was also increased by feeding pellets and decreased by feeding mash. A behaviour model is proposed to explain these findings.