Group size and plumage damage in laying hens

Abstract

1. Ninety‐one Shaver 288 laying hens were kept in groups of 1, 2, 4 or 6 birds per cage and were provided with a floor space of 1300 cm² for the single birds and 650 cm²/bird for the groups. The overall damage to the plumage of each bird was assessed at monthly intervals from 18 to 72 weeks of age.

2. Most of the plumage damage occurred during the first 24 weeks after caging and was attributed mainly to mechanical abrasion between the birds’ bodies and their cages. Little additional deterioration in feather cover occurred between 45 and 72 weeks of age.

3. The plumage damage of single birds was always less than that of birds kept in groups.

Notes

Current address: Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS18 7DU.