Cannibalism in the Small Poultry Flock, MF-2336 Click on the image above to download a complete copy of this publication in PDF format. Download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Cannibalistic birds cause injury to another bird by picking at each other's feathers, toes, etc.
Birds have a natural tendency to imitate each other.
Therefore, this behavior greatly influences the rate at which cannibalism spreads through a flock. If cannibalism is not closely monitored, the resulting losses to the flock due to flesh injuries and death can be substantial. Excessive Lighting Maintain adequate light for growth and egg production. This light program will help delay sexual maturity to increase early egg size while also allowing the birds to slowly adjust to the change in lighting. In general, brighter light in the house results in more cannibalism than when the lights are dimmed.