Module 07 - Environmental Enrichment

Birds

Chickens, quail, ducks, and turkeys, and other birds are often used in research.  There is sometimes a conflict between the commercial housing of birds, particularly chickens, quail, ducks and turkeys, and the research housing of the same birds.  It is common for investigators to invoke the need to do research using the same housing conditions that are used in the industry so that the results of the research will be applicable.  Many of the industry standards for the housing of these birds are under review, both from within the industry and among the public that purchase the product.  For example, many members of the public are concerned by the battery system of housing hens to produce eggs and there have been many attempts in recent years to move away to more bird-friendly housing (e.g., free range systems and aviaries).  There is a need, too, in research institutions to provide modified, enriched environments for birds to avoid the demonstrably stressful housing used by the industry.

Not all birds need space to fly but the provision of aviaries or flight cages for research pigeons helps maintain their health.  Most birds like to peck and scratch in dirt, looking for food to eat.  It is said that chickens will spend up to 50% of the day looking for food in this manner.  In addition, they consume a much wider variety of foods than those kept in small cages with a processed diet brought to the cage.

Most birds engage in dust or water bathing and this is an important component of their maintenance behaviour.  Most birds perch and so they should be given the opportunity to perch.