CANNIBALISM IN POULTRY : PROPER MANAGEMENT CAN PREVENT CANNIBALISM
Pecking is a natural behavior of poultry that allows them to check out their surroundings, including their flock mates. “Though poultry pecking is a natural occurrence, the nature of this behavior can change when birds spend more time inside. Understanding the difference between curious and aggressive hen pecking is key to knowing when there is a problem. Not all pecking is bad. When it is gentle, this behavior is fun to watch. If pecking becomes aggressive, it can be problematic to other birds in the flock”. Cannibalism in poultry is the act in which birds of a flock attack their pen mate and consume their flesh and other body parts. In general psychology poultry wants to be the leader of his own team. So, when the poultry’s lips start to get bigger, they are scared to see each other. They attack other poultry to make an impact so that no one can attack them. This is how cannibalism is usually created.
Cannibalism is a problem that is associated with large poultry flocks where the birds are kept in close confinement .This can result in significant mortality within the flock because when a wound is generated due to pecking there is a decrease in egg production as the hen pecked birds become stressed. This is a vice which is usually precipitated by some aspect of management or environment which the birds are subjected to. Under the intensive management conditions, this condition can occur in all ages of birds and in many species. It has been determined, however that the light breeds, such as the leghorns, are more susceptible than the heavier breeds. These lighter breeds are characterized by their flighty nature and are hypersensitive to environmental factors. Cannibalism by fowl is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause is unknown, but many management conditions and genetics can make a flock more prone to cannibalism.
The following are common forms of cannibalism seen in commercial poultry operations:
Vent-pecking
Picking of the vent or region of the abdomen several inches below the vent is the most severe form of cannibalism. This is generally more common in high-production or overweight pullet flocks. Predisposing factors are prolapsed or tearing of the tissues by passage of an abnormally large egg. This could lead to severe anaemia in birds .
Feather-pulling
Frequently seen in flocks kept in close confinement resulting in lack of sufficient exercise. Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to the problem.
Toe-pecking
Most commonly seen in young birds. Inadequate feeder space or inability of the chick to find the feed will lead to toe-picking.
Head pecking
Follows injuries to the comb or wattles, injuries can lead to head pecking.
Causes of Cannibalism in Poultry Flocks:
The problem may simply arise because of the normal pecking behaviour of this type of bird when searching for food or exploring an environment. The birds are kept in barren, crowded conditions and may have little else to peck besides their pen mates. Once one hen has picked up this technique other hens, observing the behaviour, will learn from the initial pecker-and a serious episode will develop. A lack or a deficiency of nutrients in a poultry ration may result in the birds becoming irritated which can subsequently lead to cannibalism in the flock. Usually when diet formulation is involved in the outbreak the imbalance is in the protein or the sodium level of the ration. Deficiencies can also be caused by insufficient feeding and water space. An abrupt change in the palatability or form of a flock’s ration may also be a contributing factor in the onset of cannibalism as the birds might impulsively seek alternative sources of food. Poor ventilation, high temperature/ low humidity, excessive population density, and excess illumination are all factors in the flock’s environment that may precipitate an outbreak of this vice, especially with the lighter breeds. During egg laying the cloaca may become damaged and distended especially with the passage of large eggs and this protrusion of the vent may be an attractant to other birds due to its stark colour difference against the white body.
Some sources of poultry cannibalism are listed below.
- OVERCROWDING
The overpopulation of poultry birds in a limited space can cause competitive behaviour, leading to cannibalism. Birds can and do become stressed due to the lack of space in a coop.
- FOOD AND WATER SHORTAGE
Like overcrowding, the competition for resources can cause poultry to become stressed and exhibit cannibalistic behaviour. If the flock does not have adequate food and water, they will compete over the limited supplies, leading to pecking. Further, if the birds are always hungry, they will look for other ways to satisfy their nutritional needs (cannibalism).
Make sure you have the right equipment to provide the correct food and water supply to your birds.
- IMBALANCED DIET
Chickens sometimes eat an imbalanced diet that gives them high energy and low fibre. If this happens, they will exhibit aggressive pecking and cannibalistic behaviour. A shortage of proteins and other nutrients such as methionine and salt will make chickens hungry for feathers and blood.
- EXCESSIVE HEAT
Like humans and many other animals, high temperatures will cause chickens to feel annoyed and exhibit irritable behaviour. These emotions can cause the fowl to start aggressive pecking others and even lead to cannibalistic behaviours.
- BRIGHT LIGHTS
Excessively bright lights or exposure to too much sunlight can cause chickens to become irritable, leading to hostility and cannibalistic behaviour. Hostile behaviour among members of the flock can lead to pecking and cannibalism.
- PARASITES AND ILLNESS
Internal and external parasites can cause chickens to peck at themselves or each other. Healthy chickens will also peck at sick or injured birds, both out of curiosity and self-preservation. Too much feather pecking can lead to cannibalistic behaviour.
- ABRUPT CHANGES IN ENVIRONMENT OR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Chickens are creatures of habit and do not enjoy abrupt changes in their environment. They may even exhibit cannibalistic behaviour if they experience abrupt changes. If you plan to move your birds to a new location, move some of their feeders and waterers. If you do this, they have something familiar in an unfamiliar environment. If the animals are not familiar with their environment, it can lead to pecking and cannibalism.
- INTRODUCING NEW BIRDS TO THE FLOCK
Anytime you remove or add birds to a flock, the changing environment can stress the birds and disrupt their pecking order. It can also take up to a week for the flock to re-establish a new pecking order, leading to cannibalism.
HOW TO PREVENT POULTRY CANNIBALISM
Even if you’re an expert poultry farmer and manage your flock properly, outbreaks of cannibalism can occur. However, outbreaks are less likely if you take preventive measures.
GIVE YOUR FLOCK ENOUGH ROOM
Your birds should have enough room to run around freely. Below are the recommended floor spaces:
- 2-week-old birds: 230cm2 per bird
- 3-8-week-old birds: 460m2 per bird
- 8-16-week-old birds: 930cm2 per bird
- 16 weeks old+: 1400cm2 per bird or more
You should also have a laying hen box for each laying hen.
PROVIDE ADEQUATE FEED AND WATER
All your chickens should have access to enough feed and freshwater. Provide your birds with a well-balanced diet for each stage of their development. You should also provide your birds with a healthy amount of greens, clover, or another herb. Greens that are rich in fibre will make the chickens feel full and satisfied.
PROVIDE SALT SOLUTION FOR DEFICIENCIES
Sulphur and salt deficiencies in bird feed could trigger a pecking habit by increasing the birds’ appetites for blood. Ensure that the birds’ feed is rich in nutrients and that they are getting enough salt from it.
MAINTAIN THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
The space in which your birds reside should be the correct temperature. Keep the temperature for chicks at 35°C. After a week, reduce the temperature by 2.7° every seven days until the temperature reaches 21°C. Keep the temperature constant as well as you can.
MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHT INTENSITY
Do not use white light bulbs over 40W during chick growth. If you need powerful light bulbs for heat, use infrared lamps. If your birds 12 weeks or older, use 15W or 25W lamps where the birds reside. Do not light the environment for more than 16 hours per day.
ADD FORAGING ITEMS
Foraging items will encourage your animals to peck at objects instead of each other. Foraging items include shiny articles, a broken pumpkin or squash, and foraging toys. Foraging is vital for stimulation and to avoid harmful pecking behaviour.
DEWORM YOUR BIRDS
You should be deworming your birds and regularly medicating them against parasites. Birds with parasites often resort to cannibalism, so keep them adequately protected from worms and other parasites.
REMOVE SICK AND INJURED BIRDS FROM THE PEN
If any of your chickens are sick, mutilated, or injured, separate them from the healthy birds to prevent the others from messing with it. Chickens will imitate others around them. If one bird starts feather pecking, others will do the same, and cannibalism will spread.
Make sure you treat these birds fully with sprays and medication before you bring them back to the flock.
HOW TO TREAT A CANNIBALISM OUTBREAK
It is better to prevent cannibalism than let it happen and try to stop it. However, if an outbreak occurs, you must control the behaviour before it spreads. There are many methods to accomplish this objective.
IDENTIFY THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
You cannot treat a cannibalism outbreak until you identify the source of the problem, which is why it’s easier to prevent than treat. The first thing you must do is understand why the cannibalistic behaviour is happening. Once you’ve identified the source of the problem, you must address it.
SEPARATE BIRDS
The next step you must take is to separate the birds that are feather pecking and remove any badly injured birds. Badly injured birds will only encourage others to continue pecking them, which perpetuates the behaviour. Remove the victims of cannibalism (especially laying hens) and care for them separately.
DARKEN FACILITIES USING RED BULBS
If the cause is too much light, you can darken your facilities using red bulbs. Red bulbs will be darker and less harsh than blue or white light, which can calm your poultry and encourage them to reduce their feather pecking behaviour.
ADD ADDITIONAL FEED, WATER, AND SPACE
Double-check that each bird has adequate space given the recommendations above. If they do not have sufficient running space, expand your pen to accommodate the birds or move some to a different area. Add additional feeders and waterers as well so everyone does not fight over resources.
ADD NEST BOXES AND PERCHES
When there is not adequate space, birds will fight over nest boxes and perches. Make sure each laying hen has a nest box and that there are sufficient perches throughout the pen. Laying hens fall prey to pecking often, so laying hens should have their nest boxes.
USE ANTI-CANNIBALISM SPRAY
Anti-cannibalism spray is a simple way to calm poultry down and discourage pecking. The strong scent of the spray knocks out the animals’ characteristic smell, calming them down and preventing them from pecking each other.
There are four main methods by which cannibalism and/or self mutilation can be treated: 1. Making changes to the bird’s environment by increasing cage size. 2. A physical barrier is required, i.e. . Provision of Elizabethan collar while the bird’s feathers grow out, or the wounds from mutilation heal. 3. Drug treatment: Behaviour modifying psychoactive drugs have been reported as an effective treatment. 4. Keeping a favourite toy, or food before the owner leaves Distractions such as leaving a radio or TV on for the bird may be helpful, Birds often do respond to videotapes of their owners talking to them in a normal, playful manner, Feather pecking can also be the result of some “upheaval” in the life of either the owner or the bird. Companion birds, especially the psittacine species are highly attuned to the attitudes and moods of their owners. Consequently, owners need to be aware of this, and in the event of such upheavals, possible solutions should be discussed with veterinarians.
Prevention:
The onset of this vice can be prevented by paying particular attention to the dietary factors (protein, sodium/ and palatability), the environmental factors (ventilation, temperature/ humidity/ population density, and lighting) and the feeding and water space that is available for each bird. With highly intensive operations the light intensity should be reduced, perhaps by changing to a light which is of a red tinge. The most common and cost effective mode of prevention is the use of beak trimming. Beak trimming is usually done at 4-6 weeks of age and the procedure requires that two thirds of the upper mandible be removed. This procedure will not eliminate the abnormal behaviour entirely but the birds are less able to inflict damage. Other control methods include increasing feed availability, reducing group size/ adding litter, and providing distractants such as straw bales. Best method of control is to prevent it from starting at all/ since once it has begun it will be very difficult to stop. In nut shell, poultry farmers and veterinarians both have to vigil at the time of handling cannibalism.
In conclusion, cannibalism is an alarming issue for poultry industry. We can prevent this disease by following proper management of poultry farm. Even then, outbreak of cannibalism, we will isolate it and make sure appropriate treatment for the victim. Since it is easier to prevent than to treat, we should focus on prevention.
DR. SAMIR MUDGAL, POULTRY CONSULTANT, BARWALA
