Perch material and diameter affects particular perching behaviours in laying hens

Resting on perches is an important behaviour for laying hens. However, perches in laying hen husbandry systems are associated with health problems which may result from inadequate perch designs. The aim of this study was to focus on particular behavioural patterns shown by laying hens on different perches during night-time in order to test whether perching behaviour may provide information on the suitability of a particular perch design. A total...