The Cannibalism Preventing Properties of Oats

CANNIBALISM presents a serious problem to the commercial poultryman. A general definition of cannibalism might be given as a vicious habit of picking toes, comb, vent, feathers, and other parts of the bird’s body. Many preventive measures have been recommended involving management practices such as increasing the floor space per bird, more eating and drinking space, elimination of idleness, less confinement, cooler and better ventilated brooder houses, elimination of floor layers, use of more and better nests, and removal of injured or picked individuals. Emergency control measures of various types have been developed. Among these are the use of ruby red light as reported by Carver (1932), trimming beaks as reported by Kennard (1928), application of distasteful materials to the bird’s body, and the use of vent protectors, beak guards, and blinders. The feeding trials herein reported were started as the result of a prevalent belief on the part of . . .