Feather pecking in layers
Feather pecking is a behavioural problem, which can be caused by environmental, genetic, or nutritional factors. The common age for feather pecking is during peak egg production, but it can happen earlier and once it starts, it is difficult to control. Feather pecking behaviour can be categorized into different levels based on the severity of the pecking and the body part being pecked: gentle feather pecking without removal of feathers, severe feather pecking leading to feather loss, aggressive pecking especially on head and neck, tissue pecking in featherless areas, and vent pecking. Damaged plumage, reduction in feed efficiency, increased injury, and cannibalism are some potential outcomes of severe feather pecking. Read on to learn more!
Dewberry School and the Green Certificate Program – a Project of the Heart
What happens when you invite an eclectic group of academics and industry professionals, an exceptional teacher and seven intrepid kids from a hamlet in the middle of Alberta to launch the first Poultry Green Certificate Program in Dewberry? Magic. Read on to follow the story of a pipedream turned to reality and how the amazing collaborations impacted not only the students and the school but all who reached out to inspire this Project of the Heart.