Cannibalistic behavior performed by poultry is the pecking, tearing and consuming of skin, tissues or organs of flock mates. Outbreaks of
cannibalism occur in all types of housing systems, including cages, floor pens, aviaries; in outdoor, free-range flocks; and among many different types of poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail and pheasants. Birds will show cannibalistic behavior when they are crowded or feed-restricted. Flock behavior and inter-bird dynamics often include aggression of birds toward each other, which can ultimately result in injury.
Cannibalism is a separate problem that may occur long after dominance relationships have been established. Cannibalism differs from dominance as it actually causes physical harm. Cannibalism may begin with feather pecking and is usually directed toward the body, toes, tail and especially the vent area. Prevention of cannibalism is much easier than treatment.
Causes
Cannibalism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although the exact etiology is unknown, many management conditions and genetics can predispose a flock to an outbreak. Some of these are:
- Insufficient access to resources, including feed, water, perch or nesting space.
- Strain differences in propensity to feather peck and display cannibalism.
- Dietary absences or deficiencies (example: salt deficiency).
- Bright lighting.
- Injured birds left in the flock.
- Large group size.
- Keeping different ages or colors together.
- Injuries that bleed as a result of protruding cage or pen wires, enclosures in poor repair or from fighting among newly mixed birds.
- Diseased or birds with low body weight.
- Photostimulation programs designed to produce early onset of lay.
- Barren environments that restrict or limit behavior, especially normal nesting and foraging behavior.
- Changing the diet to a less-preferred food.
Control
Although it is better to prevent cannibalism, if an outbreak does occur, it is essential to stop the behavior quickly before it spreads throughout the flock. A variety of methods are available to help accomplish this objective, although it is difficult to stop a substantial outbreak altogether. Some corrective steps include:
- Separate birds doing the severe feather pecking, especially if directed at the injuries or vents of other birds.
- Remove victims of cannibalism and care for them separately or euthanize them humanely, if necessary.
- Dim lights to a lower intensity of between 5 and 10 lux (about 5- to 10-foot candles).
- Add enrichments, especially foraging-related devices.
- Add additional feed and water space.
- Add nest boxes and perches.
- Use an antibiotic wound spray on the everted cloaca of hens with vent trauma (in small flock situations).
- Consider therapeutic beak trimming.
Sources
University of Nebraska