24/09/2021
*Causes of cannibalism*
Cannibalism is usually caused by one or more of the following reasons:
*Overcrowding*
Chickens should be provided with a space of at least four square feet per bird.
When overcrowded, chickens will begin to experience stress since they wonβt be having the freedom to roam around the coop or have privacy when they want to take a nap.
*Too much light and heat*
Birds should not be exposed to light for more than sixteen hours. Constant light may be stressful for the birds. Also, when brooding, you should not use white light bulbs of more than forty watts.
Birds become extremely cannibalistic when exposed to too much heat. When brooding, try to maintain the temperature at 95 degrees centigrade. Also, reduce the brooding temperature gradually as the chicks grow. Do not heat the entire brooding system to the same temperature. Leave other places cool.
*Insufficient feed and water*
If the birds have to fight overfeed and or water, they will cause injuries to one another, and before you know it, they will be eating one another. It is therefore essential that you provide the birds with enough feed and water at all times.
Unbalanced diets
Just like the egg eating problem in poultry, cannibalism is also caused by an unbalanced diet. Birds should be fed with the right protein and other minerals depending on their age.
For example, lack of protein and nutrients such as Methionine in their feed will make them start picking feathers.
*Housing different types of birds, colors, ages, and sizes in the same coop*
Out of curiosity, the birds can start pecking. For example, if you mix non-feathered birds with the feathered ones, they may start pecking each other to find out whatβs happening with other types of birds.
Also, you must not mix birds that are not of the same size. The older ones may βbully,β the younger ones. If you must combine the birds, wait until the younger ones are two thirds the size of the older birds.
*Instant changes in environment an