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Dr Victoria Sandilands
This course explains the general principles of chicken behaviour and welfare, and the behavioural and physiological indicators that can be used to assess welfare in chickens kept in hobby flocks through to commercial farms. The focus is primarily on laying hens and meat chickens (broilers) although many of the principles are relevant to other types of poultry. The course is likely to be of interest to people who own chickens as pets or keep a small hobby flock, commercial egg and chicken meat producers, veterinarians and vet nurses.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this course, you will be able to -
Read more
This course explains the general principles of chicken behaviour and welfare, and the behavioural and physiological indicators that can be used to assess welfare in chickens kept in hobby flocks through to commercial farms. The focus is primarily on laying hens and meat chickens (broilers) although many of the principles are relevant to other types of poultry. The course is likely to be of interest to people who own chickens as pets or keep a small hobby flock, commercial egg and chicken meat producers, veterinarians and vet nurses.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this course, you will be able to -
Read more
This course explains the general principles of chicken behaviour and welfare, and the behavioural and physiological indicators that can be used to assess welfare in chickens kept in hobby flocks through to commercial farms. The focus is primarily on laying hens and meat chickens (broilers) although many of the principles are relevant to other types of poultry. The course is likely to be of interest to people who own chickens as pets or keep a small hobby flock, commercial egg and chicken meat producers, veterinarians and vet nurses.
Learning Objectives: at the end of this course, you will be able to -
- Describe avian sensory perception and motivation
- Explain the main behaviour patterns of poultry
- Define welfare and explain the bases of welfare standards
- Assess chicken welfare, using behavioural and physiological means
- Understand common welfare problems of chickens
This course is taught by staff from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), University of Glasgow, and St David's Poultry Team.
You can follow us on Twitter! #chickenmooc
© University of Edinburgh and Scotland's Rural College 2016 CC BY
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/y12xcy/chicken
What's inside
Syllabus
Getting Started
This brief module will tell you all the things you need to know to begin, including the syllabus of the course, who we are, how to engage with one another.
Read more
Syllabus
Getting Started
This brief module will tell you all the things you need to know to begin, including the syllabus of the course, who we are, how to engage with one another.
Read more
Introduction to Animal Behaviour: Domestication, Behaviour Development and Learning, the Senses
Welcome to the first week of the Chicken Behaviour and Welfare Course. If you haven't seen it - watch the video which introduces you to the course: you can find it under "Getting Started; Welcome!" During this lesson, we will consider what makes a domestic animal, how behaviour develops in the chicken from before hatching and beyond, different types of learning and the senses - vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch.
Behaviour Patterns of Chickens, Part 1
During this week, we will consider some of the major behaviour patterns of chickens, such as maintenance behaviours of chickens, and social behaviours. Maintenance behaviours means feeding, drinking, and comfort activities. Comfort activities include preening, dustbathing, and perching (among others). Social behaviours include communication, dominance, aggression, and spacing. This week will be a combination of video lectures, in-video quizzes and an interview with a backyard producer.
Behaviour Patterns of Chickens, Part 2
Welcome back everyone! During this week, we will consider the reproduction process in chickens, from courtship to brooding and hatching of eggs. We will then look at some abnormal behaviours that you might see in chickens. This week will be a combination of video lectures, in-video quizzes, video clips from outside sources, and a downloadable poster on eggshell abnormality.
What is chicken welfare? Defining "welfare", ethical obligations, and welfare standards
During this week, we will consider what we mean by "animal welfare", and how a set of criteria known as the Five Freedoms can help you assess it. Dr Dorothy McKeegan from the University of Glasgow will discuss what the ethical obligations are of meeting an animal's welfare needs, and we will explore some of the various welfare standards that exist. Finally, we will look at welfare indicators, and Dr Barry Thorp from St David's Veterinary Team will discuss with Vicky what signs to look for in chicken flocks to make a welfare assessment. This week's Learning Outcomes: •Define 'welfare' and the Five Freedoms •What drives our ethical choices, including cost-benefit analysis •Describe some welfare standards available worldwide and how they differ •Explain ways to assess welfare, using behavioural and physiological indices
Effects of housing, transport and slaughter on bird welfare
This is the last week of the Chicken Behaviour and Welfare course, you are almost at the finish line... During this week, we will consider the welfare of layer hens and broiler (meat) chickens, from hatch to slaughter, particularly in common commercial systems. This week's Learning Outcomes: •Compare the most common housing systems used in Europe for laying hens •Compare the most common housing systems used in Europe for broiler chickens •Discuss the pros and cons of free range housing •Describe methods of emergency killing •Discuss different transport requirements, depending on the scale •Describe some of the common methods of slaughtering poultry.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines chicken behaviour and welfare, which is essential knowledge for those working or interested in poultry farming
Suitable for those working with poultry on a hobbyist or commercial scale
Covers various aspects of chicken welfare including housing, transport, and slaughter
Teaches how to assess chicken welfare using behavioural and physiological indicators
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of biology and animal behaviour
Save this course
Save Chicken Behaviour and Welfare to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Chicken welfare science
Learners say this course is largely positive, engaging, and well received by students. It is well-organized and provides comprehensive information on chicken behavior and welfare, covering topics such as housing, feeding, and slaughter. The course also includes interviews with experts in the poultry industry, which provide valuable insights into the practical applications of chicken welfare science. Overall, learners highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about chicken behavior and welfare.
Clear and engaging presentations.
"Dr. Sandilands is a fantastic instructor -- knowledgeable, great communicator and engaging."
"Very engaging and simple, but detailed and informative"
Informative and well-organized.
"The course explain the commercial chicken raise method, types, problems, and solutions (kind of)."
"Very good intro course about chicken welfare, behaviour, and overview of production industries, especially for animal science or pre-vet students like myself."
Covers a wide range of topics related to chicken behavior and welfare.
"This course was extremely informative! I thought I knew a bunch from owning my own chickens and doing independent research..."
"Excellent and well done. More challenging than I thought it would be."
Provides valuable insights into the practical applications of chicken welfare science.
"I now know more what to pay attention to and how to make my chickens feel welcome and promote their natural healthy behavior."
"I really enjoyed learning about all aspects of chicken welfare as it pertains to both small and large scale operations."
Raises important ethical questions about the treatment of chickens in the poultry industry.
"Excellent course, excellent instructor. Difficult to hear some of the material at times as emotional and sensitive."
"Really impactful and changed my perception of chickens and their care."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Chicken Behaviour and Welfare with these
activities:
Read 'Animal Behaviour: A Very Short Introduction' by Tristram Wyatt
Show steps
Provide a foundation in the principles of animal behaviour, enhancing understanding of chicken behaviour and welfare.
View
Animal Behaviour: A Very Short Introduction
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and understand key concepts such as natural selection, learning, and communication
Review 'Animal Welfare 2nd Edition' by Marian Stamp Dawkins
Show steps
Provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying principles of animal welfare science.
View
The Science of Animal Welfare
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read and understand key concepts such as animal sentience, suffering, and well-being
Follow online tutorials on poultry health and nutrition
Show steps
Enhance understanding of poultry health and nutrition, complementing course content with practical insights.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable sources for online tutorials
-
Select tutorials that cover specific topics of interest
-
Take notes and summarize key points
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage in online discussions with other students
Show steps
Promote peer learning, encourage critical thinking, and foster a sense of community among students.
Show steps
-
Actively participate in online forums
-
Share insights, ask questions, and engage in constructive debates
Analyze case studies of welfare issues in the poultry industry
Show steps
Develop practical skills in identifying and addressing welfare concerns in poultry production.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
Study real-world examples of welfare challenges
-
Apply theoretical knowledge to analyze and interpret data
-
Develop evidence-based recommendations for improving welfare outcomes
Organize and summarize course materials
Show steps
Improve retention and understanding by organizing course materials and reinforcing key concepts.
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes, slides, and readings
-
Create summaries, mind maps, or flashcards
-
Identify areas for further study or clarification
Design an enrichment program for a commercial chicken flock
Show steps
Foster creativity and problem-solving skills by applying knowledge of chicken behavior and welfare to a practical application.
Browse courses on
Animal Husbandry
Show steps
-
Identify the specific needs and preferences of the flock
-
Research and select appropriate enrichment devices and activities
-
Design an implementation plan that considers flock size, housing conditions, and budget
-
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program
Read 'Animal Behaviour: A Very Short Introduction' by Tristram Wyatt
Show steps
Provide a foundation in the principles of animal behaviour, enhancing understanding of chicken behaviour and welfare.
View
Animal Behaviour: A Very Short Introduction
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and understand key concepts such as natural selection, learning, and communication
Review 'Animal Welfare 2nd Edition' by Marian Stamp Dawkins
Show steps
Provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying principles of animal welfare science.
View
The Science of Animal Welfare
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and understand key concepts such as animal sentience, suffering, and well-being
Follow online tutorials on poultry health and nutrition
Show steps
Enhance understanding of poultry health and nutrition, complementing course content with practical insights.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable sources for online tutorials
- Select tutorials that cover specific topics of interest
- Take notes and summarize key points
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Engage in online discussions with other students
Show steps
Promote peer learning, encourage critical thinking, and foster a sense of community among students.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Actively participate in online forums
- Share insights, ask questions, and engage in constructive debates
Analyze case studies of welfare issues in the poultry industry
Show steps
Develop practical skills in identifying and addressing welfare concerns in poultry production.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Study real-world examples of welfare challenges
- Apply theoretical knowledge to analyze and interpret data
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for improving welfare outcomes
Organize and summarize course materials
Show steps
Improve retention and understanding by organizing course materials and reinforcing key concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes, slides, and readings
- Create summaries, mind maps, or flashcards
- Identify areas for further study or clarification
Design an enrichment program for a commercial chicken flock
Show steps
Foster creativity and problem-solving skills by applying knowledge of chicken behavior and welfare to a practical application.
Browse courses on
Animal Husbandry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the specific needs and preferences of the flock
- Research and select appropriate enrichment devices and activities
- Design an implementation plan that considers flock size, housing conditions, and budget
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program
Career center
Learners who complete Chicken Behaviour and Welfare will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Poultry Veterinarian
Poultry Veterinarian
Poultry Veterinarians are veterinarians who specialize in the care of chickens and other poultry. They diagnose and treat diseases in poultry, and they develop and implement programs to prevent and control disease outbreaks. This course may be helpful for Poultry Veterinarians by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to provide more effective care for their patients.
Poultry Farmer
Poultry Farmer
Poultry Farmers raise and care for chickens and other poultry. They are responsible for providing food, water, and shelter for their birds, and they monitor their health and welfare. This course may be helpful for Poultry Farmers by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to improve the care and management of their flocks.
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking vital signs, administering medication, and assisting with surgery. This course may be helpful for Veterinary Technicians by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to provide more effective care for chickens.
Animal Welfare Inspector
Animal Welfare Inspector
Animal Welfare Inspectors enforce animal welfare laws and regulations. They investigate complaints of animal abuse and neglect, and they work to ensure that animals are treated humanely. This course may be useful for Animal Welfare Inspectors by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to make more informed decisions about the care and treatment of chickens.
Biosecurity Specialist
Biosecurity Specialist
Biosecurity Specialists help to protect animals from diseases. They develop and implement biosecurity plans, and they train staff on biosecurity procedures. This course may be useful for Biosecurity Specialists by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to develop more effective biosecurity plans.
Zookeeper
Zookeeper
Zookeepers care for animals in zoos and other captive settings. They provide food, water, and shelter for their animals, and they monitor their health and welfare. This course may be helpful for Zookeepers by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to provide more effective care for their animals.
Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Farm Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of farms. They are responsible for planning and implementing farming activities, and they supervise the work of farm staff. This course may be helpful for Farm Managers by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to make better decisions about the care and management of their flocks.
Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activist
Animal Rights Activists advocate for the rights of animals. They believe that animals should be treated with respect and compassion, and they work to end the exploitation of animals. This course may be useful for Animal Rights Activists by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to make a stronger case for the rights of chickens.
Hatchery Manager
Hatchery Manager
Hatchery Managers oversee the operation of hatcheries. They are responsible for ensuring that chicks are hatched in a healthy and safe environment. This course may be helpful for Hatchery Managers by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to improve the quality of their chicks.
Animal Advocacy
Animal Advocacy
Animal Advocates advocate for the protection and welfare of animals. They work to educate the public about animal welfare issues, and they lobby for changes in laws and policies that protect animals. This course may be useful for Animal Advocates by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to make a stronger case for protecting chickens.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research on a variety of topics, including animal behavior and welfare. They design and conduct experiments, and they analyze data to learn more about the behavior and welfare of animals. This course may be helpful for Research Scientists by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to design more effective research studies.
Poultry Processor
Poultry Processor
Poultry Processors process chickens and other poultry for food. They are responsible for slaughtering, dressing, and packaging poultry products. This course may be helpful for Poultry Processors by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to improve the quality of their products.
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientists study the biology, behavior, and welfare of animals. They work to improve the health and productivity of animals, and they develop new technologies and management practices for animal care. This course may be useful for Animal Scientists by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to develop more effective ways to care for chickens.
Animal Welfare Officer
Animal Welfare Officer
Animal Welfare Officers are responsible for ensuring the welfare of animals in a variety of settings, including farms, laboratories, and zoos. They work to develop and implement policies and procedures that promote animal welfare, and they investigate complaints of animal abuse or neglect. This course may be helpful for Animal Welfare Officers by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to develop more effective policies and procedures for the care of chickens.
Poultry Sales Representative
Poultry Sales Representative
Poultry Sales Representatives sell poultry products to a variety of customers, including restaurants, grocery stores, and food processors. This course may be helpful for Poultry Sales Representatives by providing them with a better understanding of chicken behavior and welfare, which can help them to better understand the needs of their customers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/y12xcy/chicken
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Chicken Behaviour and Welfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of animal welfare, covering topics such as the evolution of animal welfare, the ethics of animal welfare, and the assessment of animal welfare. It would be a valuable resource for students and practitioners interested in learning more about the welfare of chickens.
Provides a detailed overview of the behavior of chickens, covering topics such as social behavior, reproductive behavior, and feeding behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the behavior of chickens.
Provides a detailed overview of the behavior of chickens and other birds. It covers topics such as social behavior, communication, reproduction, and learning. It would be a valuable resource for students and practitioners interested in learning more about the behavior of chickens.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the welfare of chickens, covering topics such as housing, nutrition, and disease. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the welfare of chickens.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal welfare, covering topics such as animal sentience, ethics, and legislation. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the welfare of chickens.
Provides a detailed overview of the welfare of laying hens, covering topics such as housing, nutrition, and disease. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the welfare of laying hens.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science and technology of eggs, covering topics such as egg production, egg quality, and egg processing. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the science of chickens.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of animal behavior, covering topics such as animal communication, animal learning, and animal social behavior. It would be a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about the behavior of animals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of animal welfare science. It covers topics such as the ethics of animal welfare, the assessment of animal welfare, and the development of animal welfare policies.
Save
Comprehensive reference on the science of poultry production. It covers a wide range of topics, including poultry nutrition, poultry housing, and poultry diseases.
Provides a comprehensive overview of poultry meat processing and quality. It covers topics such as poultry slaughter, poultry processing, and poultry meat quality.
Provides a comprehensive overview of poultry nutrition. It covers topics such as poultry feed ingredients, poultry feed formulation, and poultry nutrition management.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of poultry diseases. It covers topics such as poultry disease diagnosis, poultry disease prevention, and poultry disease treatment.
Contains the proceedings of the 16th European Symposium on Poultry Welfare. It covers a wide range of topics related to poultry welfare, including poultry housing, poultry nutrition, and poultry diseases.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/y12xcy/chicken
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Animals and Institutions
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Dr Victoria Sandilands
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Good to know
Examines chicken behaviour and welfare, which is essential knowledge for those working or interested in poultry farming
Suitable for those working with poultry on a hobbyist or commercial scale
Covers various aspects of chicken welfare including housing, transport, and slaughter
Teaches how to assess chicken welfare using behavioural and physiological indicators
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of biology and animal behaviour
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