Behaviour of Laying Hens in Aviaries: Special Aspects: Social Structure in Large Groups and Effects of Litter Quality on Dustbathing Behaviour

The number of hens kept in aviaries is increasing steadily. A question unanswered so far is: Do aviaries fulfil the hens? behavioural priorities? In a literature review (chapter 1: social and resting behaviour, chapter 2: feeding, reproductive and dustbathing behaviour, both written in German) the behaviour of modern laying hybrids in aviaries is described. To evaluate animal welfare, typical behaviour in this housing system is compared to the behaviour of laying hens living under 'close to nature? conditions and of their wild ancestors. The experimental part of the study focuses on two intensely discussed areas of keeping hens in aviaries: the social structure of hens in large housing system (results of three investigations in an aviary with two groups of each 1250 Lohmann Silver laying hens and 12 cockerels, chapter 3) and the suitability of wood shavings used in aviaries for dustbathing behaviour (effect of litter condition and depth, dustbathing behaviour of 144 hens, chapter 4). The book addresses both scientists and practitioners in the field of agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine.