6484: Biokompatible Mauser bei Legehennen [Ethological investigation on moulting laying hens in organic farming ]

{PROJECT} Biokompatible Mauser bei Legehennen [Ethological investigation on moulting laying hens in organic farming ]. Runs 01 January 2001 - 28 February 2005. Project leader(s): Hirt, Helen and Zeltner, Esther, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), CH-5070 Frick. More information online at <http://www.fibl.org/forschung/tierhaltung/biogefluegelhaltung/mauser.php>.

Summary

From an ethical point of view a longer life for laying hens is desired. Then, hens can be used for a longer period and 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.
Project aims:
A method was investigated in order to moult laying hens without too much stress for the hens.
Results, conclusion, state of the art:
The chosen method with daily access to a winter garden had no detectable negative effect on the behaviour of the hens. The moulting succeeded in improving egg quality and plumage condition.

Additional Summary

Literature:
• Zeltner E, Hirt, H (2005) Ethological investigation on moulting laying hens in organic farming. In: Proceedings of 7th European Symposium on Poultry Welfare; 15-19 June 2005, Lublin, Poland.
• Zeltner E, Hirt H (2005) Ethologische Untersuchungen zum Mauserumtrieb im Biolandbau. 8. Wissenschaftstagung Ökologischer Landbau: Ende der Nische. 1. – 4.03.2005; Kassel.
• Zeltner E (2004) Verlängerte Nutzungsdauer von Legehennen im Bio-Landbau. SÖL- Berater- Rundbrief 3/04: 55-56.

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