Feather pecking, pecking directed to and damaging the feathers of other birds, is a
behavioural disorder occurring in laying hens and other poultry species and breeds. Feather
pecking is both a welfare and economic problem. Pulling out feathers causes pain, a higher
risk of injuries and can trigger an outbreak of cannibalism. Extensive loss of feather cover is
accompanied by increased heat loss that results in increased food consumption. The 1999
EU Directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens approved …

Feather pecking is a behavioural disorder occurring in laying hens and other poultry species
and breeds. Feather pecking is both a welfare and economic problem. Pulling out feathers
causes pain, a higher risk of injuries and can trigger an outbreak of cannibalism. Extensive
loss of feather cover is accompanied by increased heat loss that results in increased food
consumption. The 1999 EU Directive laying down minimum standards for the protection of
laying hens approved banning of conventional battery cages from 2012. Thus in the next few …