The Relationships between Damaging Behaviours and Health in Laying Hens.

Summary

This narrative review synthesises evidence on the bidirectional relationships between damaging behaviours and health in laying hens housed in modern alternative (non-cage) systems across the European Union. The authors argue that larger group sizes and complex environments in post-2012 EU housing systems create conditions where behavioural problems and infectious diseases can spread rapidly through flocks, and where health challenges may precipitate damaging behaviours—establishing a feedback loop that compromises both welfare and productivity. The review emphasises the need for integrated monitoring of both behavioural and health indicators to enable early intervention.

Regional applicability

Directly applicable to United Kingdom poultry production, as the UK has implemented the same EU Directive ban on conventional cages since 2012 and has similarly transitioned to alternative housing systems. The findings are relevant to UK producers managing laying hens in floor, aviary, free-range, and organic systems, and to UK welfare assurance and policy frameworks that govern these systems.

Key measures

Damaging behaviours in laying hens; flock health status; housing system type (floor, aviary, free-range, organic); management conditions; immune system stimulation; body condition

Outcomes reported

The review examined relationships between damaging behaviours (such as feather pecking and cannibalism) and health outcomes in laying hens across non-cage housing systems. It characterised how suboptimal management conditions facilitate spread of both behavioural problems and infectious diseases within flocks, and how health challenges can trigger damaging behaviours.

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