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Cannibalism in poultry: a deep dive into the problem, causes, consequences, and practical solutions
Cannibalism in poultry is a threat to the flock and profits, as well as a warning sign for the farm. Learn how to detect and stop the problem in time!
Cannibalism in poultry is not merely a rare behavioral anomaly. It is a widespread, complex, and often overlooked issue that affects a farm's health, welfare, and economic performance. Regardless of the poultry species—layers, broilers, turkeys, or breeders—under certain conditions, birds may start pecking each other, sometimes to the point of death. If timely measures are not taken, this can lead to catastrophic consequences. The process always has deep-rooted causes. Pecking behavior is natural for birds. But when instincts turn into aggression towards conspecifics, it reflects a breakdown in adaptive mechanisms, often due to improper feeding or management.
What is Cannibalism in Birds?
Cannibalism is a pathological behavior in which birds peck and injure other birds, often eating feathers, skin, or even internal organs. Several forms are recognized:

  1. Feather pecking — birds pluck and consume feathers, especially on wings, tails, and backs. This leads to exposed skin, becoming a target for deeper injuries.
  2. Cloacal cannibalism — a hazardous form. During or after egg-laying, the cloaca protrudes and becomes bright red, attracting other birds that begin pecking at it. This often results in death.
  3. Tissue pecking — development of deep wounds, consumption of muscles, blood, and sometimes internal organs. The consequences are painful and often fatal.
Fact: Just 3–5% of aggressors in a flock can create a constant crisis in the poultry house.
Causes:
Cannibalism does not occur without cause. It is always a result of stress, nutritional deficiencies, or housing problems. The most common reasons include:

  1. Nutritional Deficiencies — lack of high-quality protein, methionine, lysine, sodium, and sulfur reduces vitality, irritability, and behavioral deviations. When the diet fails to meet basic physiological needs, birds search for alternative sources—such as feathers. Initially, this behavior is compensatory rather than aggressive. Interesting: Studies show that birds fed diets with animal protein exhibited less feather pecking than those fed only plant-based proteins.
  2. Lighting — birds are susceptible to light. Excessive brightness or constant lighting causes overexcitement, restlessness, and aggression. Bright light near nest boxes is hazardous, as it highlights the blood-rich cloaca during egg-laying.
  3. Behavioral Boredom — birds have a natural need to explore, peck, and move. If the poultry house lacks enrichment (just floor and feeder), pecking is redirected toward flock mates—even with optimal feeding. Boredom is a severe stressor.
  4. Overcrowding — high stocking density creates spatial stress. The inability to escape or avoid others is a key trigger for aggression. Stress is unevenly distributed—weak birds become victims more often.
  5. Diseases and Parasites — sick or infested birds behave and look differently, attracting attention. For example, mites cause itching, leading to feather loss and exposed skin, which can trigger a chain reaction.
How to Recognize the Problem?
Signs are often subtle. Watch for:

  • Feather loss in specific areas;
  • Blood stains or dried blood in nests;
  • Unusual vocalizations in the house;
  • Changes in behavior—birds isolating themselves or acting anxious;
  • Uneven flock appearance.
Tip: Enter the poultry house quietly and unexpectedly. Observe silently for 5–10 minutes to assess the real situation.
Business Impact
Cannibalism is not only a welfare issue—it causes direct financial losses:

  1. 10–30% drop in egg production;
  2. Up to 40% increased feed intake in featherless birds;
  3. Injuries, mortality, and increased veterinary costs;
  4. Deterioration in carcass quality.
How to Prevent Cannibalism
Feeding

  • Maintain a stable, well-balanced diet rich in amino acids, trace elements, and fiber;
  • Avoid sudden changes in feed formulation;
  • Use feed additives that reduce excitability.
Lighting Management

  • Avoid excessive brightness. Light in nest areas should not exceed 1 lux.
Environmental Enrichment

  • Use straw bales, corn cobs, pecking blocks;
  • Provide perches, platforms, and varied surfaces.
Flock Management

  • Isolate injured and aggressive birds;
  • Monitor flock uniformity: body weight, age, activity;
  • Daily behavior monitoring.
Early Prevention

  • Provide toys, bedding, and sand access from day one;
  • ntroduce birds gradually to new environments;
  • Use infrared beak treatment for selected batches.
Conclusion
Cannibalism is not the deviation of a single bird—it's a reflection of systemic problems. When pecking arises, it indicates nutritional, psychological, or spatial overload. The task of farm management is to detect, localize, and neutralize the source in time.

The deeper you understand your flock, the lower the risk it will "turn on itself."
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