LPM 221: Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management (1+1)

CANNIBALISM

• Cannibalism is a condition in which birds of a flock attack their pen mate and eat its flesh, which may impose deep wounds and heavy mortality.
• Vent pecking is common in laying birds. Once the birds adopt this vice it spreads rapidly through the flock.
• Poultry farmer must remain vigilant to prevent cannibalism as it has got no direct treatment.
• Presence of wounded or dead birds which are showing wound but otherwise appear healthy are indicative of cannibalism.