Reducing predation in free-range laying hens
Free-ranging hens face high mortality from predation, especially by protected birds of prey like the common buzzard, leading to stress and increased injurious pecking. Alpacas effectively deter predators through their territorial and aggressive nature, reducing mortality and improving welfare in organic free-range systems.
or
Detail description
Free-range laying hens in Spain face high mortality rates—up to 30%—primarily due to predation by birds of prey like the common buzzard, which are legally protected. This technical note explores the use of alpacas as a non-lethal, effective predator deterrent. Alpacas, being territorial and naturally aggressive toward predators, reduce attacks on hens, leading to lower mortality, reduced stress, and decreased injurious pecking. The solution is compatible with standard organic farming practices, including shelters, feed, and health management, and is supported by the European Union.
1/1
or
Contribution detail info
- Project
Hennovation
Practice-led innovation supported by science and market-driven actors in the laying hen and other livestock sectors
- Location
- Spain
- Authors
- Deborah Temple
- Purpose
- -
- File type
- document
- Created on
- Aug 17, 2017
- Origin language
- English
- Official project website
- –
- License
- CC BY
- Keywords
- Themes