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Effect of Stocking Density on the Incidence of Usage of Enrichment Devices by White Leghorn Hens

Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; Phone: (403) 492-0105; FAX: (403) 492-9130

H. Cook

The King's University College, Edmonton, AB T6H 2H3, Canada

Correspondence: J. J. R. Feddes

The effect of bird stocking density on level of use of environmental enrichment devices was investigated in caged Shave Starcross 288 Leghorn hens. The use of a commercially available enrichment device was compared to that of a small bell. The results indicated that for birds stocked at densities of one, two, or five birds/cage (2100 cm²/bird, 1050 cm²/bird, or 420 cm²/bird), the number of total pecking observations was significantly different, whereas there was no difference in pecking observations on a per-bird basis. The incidence of pecking directed to the bell was significantly higher (2.5 times) than those directed to the commercially available enrichment device. There was a significant increase in usage (18%) from week 1 to week 2. This finding suggests a gradual increase in enrichment device usage in response to a sudden change in environmental complexity (i. e. , providing environmental enrichment).

Key Words: Environmental enrichment • laying hens • stocking density