Watch for Cannibalism

Cannibalistic behaviors among chickens include picking at or pecking other birds and egg eating. These behaviors range from minor (a few pecks as a reminder of social status) to severe, resulting in irreparable injury and death. Egg eating is a bad habit, certainly, and terribly frustrating for the chicken keeper, but it doesn’t compromise the safety and health of a flock as other cannibalistic behaviors do.

Providing roomy living quarters, isolating injured birds as soon as possible and eliminating harsh artificial lighting (in both the brooder and in the coop when augmenting light during the winter) are all steps toward reducing the stress that leads to cannibalism. The same precautions outlined in “Keeping the Peace” are also used to limit cannibalistic behaviors among flock mates.

It’s critically important that you take cannibalism very seriously. Chickens are ruthless in maintaining a strong social structure. After all, any weak, ill or injured birds will slow down the rest, making the entire flock a target for predation or the spread of disease. To the outside observer, cannibalistic chicken behaviors can seem callous, but these behaviors are their means for survival. It is only when conditions are inadequate that cannibalism can turn deadly. If you see or suspect cannibalistic behaviors in your flock, act immediately. Investigate the situation and determine the source of cannibalism. Is a hen injured or ill and now being targeted? Are the chickens bored? Is the coop too small? Are newcomers struggling to integrate? Remedy the situation by determining the cause.