Journal article
Behaviour of laying hens in aviaries - review Part 1: Social and resting behaviour: Verhalten von Legehennen in der Volierenhaltung, Review Teil 1: Zum Sozialverhalten und Ruheverhalten von Hühnern
Publication Details
Authors: | Moesta, A.; Knierim, U.; Briese, A.; Hartung, J.; Knierim, U. |
Publication year: | 2007 |
Journal: | Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift |
Pages range : | 444-453 |
Volume number: | 114 |
Start page: | 444 |
End page: | + |
ISSN: | 0341-6593 |
DOI-Link der Erstveröffentlichung: |
Abstract
This literature review gives information about important behaviour categories of laying hens kept in aviary systems. Based on current knowledge, the differences in behaviour of hens in aviaries compared to the behaviour of hens living under "close to natural" conditions are assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The focus of this first review is put on resting and particularly on social behaviour. So far "optimal" group size for laying hens and consequences of oversized groups for the well-being of laying hens are unknown, thus, rendering further research necessary. Referring to the resting and social behaviour of laying hens, proposals for the design of the housing system aviary are given. A second part will deal with feeding, reproductive and dustbathing behaviour.
This literature review gives information about important behaviour categories of laying hens kept in aviary systems. Based on current knowledge, the differences in behaviour of hens in aviaries compared to the behaviour of hens living under "close to natural" conditions are assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The focus of this first review is put on resting and particularly on social behaviour. So far "optimal" group size for laying hens and consequences of oversized groups for the well-being of laying hens are unknown, thus, rendering further research necessary. Referring to the resting and social behaviour of laying hens, proposals for the design of the housing system aviary are given. A second part will deal with feeding, reproductive and dustbathing behaviour.
