4.2 – Optimizing design of the outdoor area to minimize feather pecking and cannibalism in laying hens

The hens used to investigate green light during incubation and insect larvae provisioning as early-life enrichment (see 4.1.1. and 4.1.2.) were followed throughout the laying phase to investigate long-term effects of these strategies. They were housed in a facility with mobile houses and access to a free range with different vegetation types. In addition, insect larvae were provided in the free range. The effects of both early-life strategies and larvae provisioning during the laying phase on range use, fearfulness, feather pecking and positive behaviors were investigated.