Ethologische Untersuchungen zum Mauserumtrieb im Biolandbau

Summary

A longer life for laying hens is desired from an ethical point of view. Not only because the hens can be used for a longer period but also less male chicks would have to be killed at the age of one day. In large flocks of laying hens moulting has to be induced to prevent social instability in the flock. In this study, a method was investigated, to moult laying hens without too much stress for the hens. The chosen method with daily access to a bad weather hen run had no detectable negative effect on the behaviour of the hens. The moulting succeeded in improving egg quality and plumage condition.