What Causes Smothering in Commercial Free-Range Laying Hens

An epidemiological study in Australian free-range farms will be conducted using farm records and a questionnaire to identify the main factors associated with the occurrence of smothering. A behavioural study will also be conducted to identify bird behaviour patterns immediately prior to and during incidents of smothering. The project aims to quantify the factors (at farm, shed and flock level) associated with smothering in Australian free range flocks.