The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the hen’s PS and
DB behaviours and hen distribution in furnished cages according
to different group sizes, litter types and PSA pads. Two successive
experiments with specific objectives were performed. The objectives
of the first experiment were to study the group size effect
(20, 40 or 60 hens per cage with same stocking density), as well
as the effect of additional feed distribution as litter substrate on
artificial turf matting (pad and litter type commonly used under
commercial conditions), on PS and DB behaviours in standardised
conditions, and hen distribution into cages. The second experiment
focussed on DB behaviour. It aimed firstly to check if wheat bran
could promote DB if distributed as litter on rubber PSA mats; and
secondly to test whichtype of PSApad(artificialturf or rubbermats)
enhanced DB behaviours more when no litter distribution is provided.
In the 2 experiments, analyses were first done on the entire
cage and per cage area (PSA, nest and others areas). Moreover, PS
and DB behaviours were compared between areas in order to determine
where the hens perform PS and DB behaviours in furnished
cages. The location of DB in relation to trough position was assessed
in order to check if DB were stimulated by feed in the trough. In
addition, in order to know how the hens were attracted in PSA,
the distribution of hens in cages was compared to a homogenous
distribution.