Studies on the prevalence of feather pecking in different commercial laying hensystems and its welfare and economic impacts are reviewed in the followingpaper. Current methods for controlling feather pecking include beak-trimming andalterations to light regimes, but these methods have significant disadvantagesfrom the perspective of bird welfare. A substantial body of research has nowidentified risk factors for feather pecking during both the rearing and layingperiods. It is argued that these findings can be translated into optimisedmanagement practices that can prevent and control feather pecking whilstsimultaneously conferring welfare benefits. The genetic basis of feather peckingis considered, and studies that suggest group selection techniques could producebirds with a reduced tendency to feather peck in commercial flocks arehighlighted.
