Jasmin Schiestel's MSc Defence

The Effects of Edible Pecking Blocks During Rearing and Laying on Feather Damage and Behaviour in Ontario Commercial Laying Hens

Pecking blocks (PB) are grain- and mineral-based edible enrichments designed to redirect feather pecking. This study evaluated the long-term effects of PB provision on plumage condition, mortality, and behaviour in white- and brown-feathered laying hens across six commercial aviaries during rearing and lay. Hens either received PBs continuously throughout life, received PBs only during rearing or laying, or never received PBs. Three PB formulations (mixed grains, grains with molasses, and mineral-based) were provided simultaneously at a ratio of one block per 1,000 birds. Plumage scores revealed significant enrichment-by-age interactions (p < 0.0001), with continuous PB provision providing the greatest protection against feather damage. Mortality increased with age (p = 0.0005) but was unaffected by PB provision (p = 0.5912). These findings indicate that consistent enrichment helps protect plumage condition and supports laying hen welfare.