Cannibalism in Broiler Chickens
Cannibalism is a costly and highly prevalent practice in poultry farming. Cannibalism is caused by poor management and compromise of the welfare of the birds. As stress increases, birds will start to pluck their feathers and as soon as a fresh, open wound is opened, the cannibalism habit will spread rapidly throughout the flock. Of course, if you notice the change in behavior early enough, you can control this phenomenon.
Cannibalism reduces the value of the bird due to torn and damaged meat or weak feathers and leads to higher mortality and lower welfare in the flock. Once the habit gets out of control, it is difficult to control. Controlling and preventing cannibalism is a part of farm management.
Factors that cause cannibalism
1. Overcrowding:
First two weeks ⇐ 42cm2 per bird
Weeks three to eight ⇐ 103cm2 per bird
2. Overheating:
As the bird ages, the heat produced by the bird also increases. A general guideline is to keep the bird at 36cº from day one and reduce the temperature by 5 degrees each week until it reaches 24cº and then keep the temperature constant. The temperature should be measured above the birds’ heads. Do not heat the breeding area to the recommended temperature. Observe the birds’ behavior to ensure that the breeding temperature is appropriate. Birds will seek shelter against the walls during extreme heat and will be grouped together in several places in the house during extreme cold.
3. Too much light:
– Too much light or a long photoperiod increases cannibalism. Never use white bulbs larger than 20 watts. If you must use a larger bulb to heat the house, we recommend using red or infrared bulbs. Never use Teflon-coated bulbs in the poultry house. It is not recommended to provide light to birds for more than 16 hours a day. Constant light can be stressful for birds.
4. Lack of food or water or lack of space for feeders or waterers:
If birds have to fight for food and water or if birds are always hungry, pecking activity will increase. Make sure birds always have full access to food and water.
5. Unbalanced diets:
A diet that is too high in energy and low in fiber can cause birds to be active and aggressive. A diet lacking in protein and other amino acids can cause birds to start plucking their feathers. Make sure you are feeding a balanced diet that is appropriate for the age and type of birds you are raising.
6. Differences in type, size and colour of birds:
Combining birds of different types, sizes and colours may disrupt or reinforce pecking behaviour. Do not raise crested birds, wattled birds or legged birds with other birds. These traits increase the bird’s curiosity. Pecking at the toes in the first week is due to this curiosity in poultry. Birds that grow feathers slowly are prone to cannibalism and provoke pecking by other birds.
7. Sudden change in management or breeding environment:
When you want to expand the house, move some of the chick-rearing equipment with you to a larger part of the house or try to use the same equipment in the house that is generally compatible in the broiler system. Do not place bright lights near the nests (egg traps) in the mother hen. One nest is required for every 5 birds.
8. Do not remove disabled or injured chicks from the flock:
These types of chicks are prone to being pecked by other birds due to different conditions than other birds (less feather growth, small size, etc.), and this habit is gradually stimulated.
9. Introducing a new bird and chicks to the flock:
If you want to do this behavior, i.e. changing the house, or increasing the number of day-old chicks, or combining two houses in the middle of the breeding period, usually do this during the dark period of the day and the house. However, this action is generally not recommended and is dangerous for the flock.
10. Prolapse (uterine prolapse):
Uterine prolapse occurs when a young hen starts laying eggs earlier than usual, which causes the anus to protrude in these birds. Out of curiosity, birds start pecking at the bird with the anal prolapse, causing bleeding and cannibalism to spread. Proper management of the bird’s production and proper feeding practices can prevent this problem (prolapse).
Preventive measures
Increase the rearing space per chick
Use devices to entertain and distract birds, such as colored cans or shiny objects above the birds
Use more fiber-based feed to keep the gizzard full
Use shiny, plastic-colored birds to encourage pecking and distract birds from constant pecking
Treatment of cannibalism
In general, different conditions play a role in causing the phenomenon of self-eating or cannibalism, but overall, stress is the most important factor in this phenomenon.
To reduce stress
Correct aggressive behaviors as soon as you observe them.
By adjusting the intensity of the light and darkening the environment, stress can be reduced.
Remove affected birds from the flock immediately.
To prevent further damage to the birds, special sprays or ointments can be used on affected birds.
If possible, reduce the temperature of the room.
