Genetics seems to play a part in feather pecking and cannibalism light breeds are more prone to the behavior than heavier breeds (Savage and Darre, 2008). No one knows exactly what causes feather pecking and cannibalism, but several triggers seem to be responsible. It may occur among birds of any age or any breed and is not specific to housing type: it can occur in floor pens, cages, aviaries, and free-range, outdoor systems.
Cannibalism involves chickens pecking, tearing, and consuming the skin, tissues, or organs of flock mates.Ĭannibalism differs from simple dominance and the establishment of a normal social hierarchy because it actually physically harms some members of the flock (Scheideler and Shields, 2007). Cannibalism is a separate, more sinister behavior that goes beyond establishing the pecking order. A certain degree of mild feather pecking is normal within the flock, but feather pecking sometimes leads to cannibalism. Feather pecking is a way to express dominance in small poultry flocks as flock members establish their rank. Did you know that “pecking order” is more than just an expression?Ĭhickens and other types of poultry develop a social hierarchy within the flock it is called the pecking order.
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