The use of perches and platforms by broiler chickens

Abstract

Perching is considered an integral part of chicken behaviour, and is suggested to alleviate leg problems and enhance mobility in broilers, as it stimulates diversification of locomotion. The use of perches is, however, low in broilers. There is a need for investigation of elevated structures that are better accepted by meat type chickens.We compared elevated plastic platforms with wooden perches on a commercial farm. The data comprises 4 flocks with perches and 6 flocks with platforms, as well as control flocks for both. The use of these structures and the activity of broilers were recorded from video. Activity was measured as bouts of movements in an area with no platforms. The behaviour of the birds was analysed at 3 ages, during both day and night.The use of platforms exceeded the use of perches. Broilers used low perches (10cm) more than high perches (30cm) at the age of 32days (P=0.001). Platforms were used more during day time than during nights especially in younger broilers (P=0.046). Broilers became more inactive as they got older and were less active during the nights. The presence of platforms had no effect on general activity. Because the perches were mostly unused their effect on bird activity was not analysed.The frequent use of platforms indicates they are better suited for broilers than perches. However, platforms did not appear to stimulate general activity. The fact that the broilers used platforms to a high degree indicate that broilers are motivated to use elevated structures or driven by high animal densities. It might be that the low perch use is due to physical challenges and not to a lack of motivation to use elevated structures.