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Dealing with aggressive poultry
Genetic tendency
Some breeds and individual birds are more aggressive than others. Game birds, with their close-fitting (hard-feathered) plumage, long legs and sharp spurs have been used for the sport of cockfighting for thousands of years.
There is some evidence that they have also been selectively bred for this purpose, judging by the 17th century advice: “In your election chuse him which is of a strong shape, good colour, true valour, and of a most sharp and ready heel” (Cheape and Good Husbandry. Gervase Markham. 1614)
Generally speaking, the heavy red-feathered breeds that have been developed as table or sitting breeds are less wild and flighty than the light white-feathered egg breeds. Similarly, utility breeds that have been bred for production have less of an aggressive tendency. Hybrids tend to be more docile than pure breeds.
In recent years, with the growing emphasis on commercial free-range, there has been yet more effort to select for docility. The tendency of many hybrid hens to squat down in the submissive mating position when approached is an indication of this.
The following table indicates the relative docility of breeds, and reflects the level of selection (and taming) that has taken place for utility purposes. Please be aware that it is only a generalised summary. There are always exceptions depending on individual birds and strains of flock. When buying birds, whether they are pure breeds or hybrids, question the breeder about this aspect. It is in everyone’s interest to avoid having aggressive birds.
| Most Aggressive | Fairly Wild | Fairly Docile | More Docile | Most Docile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game birds, eg, Old English Game, Calder Ranger Asil, Shamo, Sumatra, Indian Game, Malay. |
Un-developed old breeds eg, Old English Pheasant Fowl, Derbyshire Redcap, Poland, Campine. |
Utility light breeds, eg, Leghorn, Welsummer, Bovans White |
Utility heavy breeds, eg, RIR, Barnevelder Plymouth Rock Marans, Dorking |
Hybrids, eg, Calder Ranger, Bovans Goldline & Nera, ISA Brown, Hisex Ranger, Speckledy Babcock 380 |
Environment
The type of environment plays a major part in behaviour, with flock density being foremost. The more birds there are in a given area, the more likely they are to peck at each other.
Small, non-intensive flocks generally have fewer problems, not only because there are less of them, but also because they have more space in which to run away from potential bullies. Once the victim has signalled defeat in this way, the aggressor will usually lose interest.
It is important to stress this flock density aspect for if a small flock is confined in a small area it is just as likely to suffer from incidences of feather and vent pecking and cannibalism as a large one. Don’t forget that providing hanging greens or one of those grain balls can provide interest for otherwise bored birds, so that they do not develop bad habits.
Large free-range houses are required to have sufficient wide pop-holes so that the chickens can find their way out easily. In this way, a relatively free flow of traffic is ensured. Large houses also control the lighting so that if there are incidences of feather pecking (or egg eating) the lights can be dimmed.
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Copyright © Katie Thear 2005