Poultry Judging Practice Test

Red light in chicken barns helps in the control of what issue?

1. Cannibalism

2. Pecking

3. Overcrowding

4. Ventilation

The correct answer is: Cannibalism

Red light in chicken barns is particularly effective in controlling cannibalism among flocks. This practice is based on the understanding that the color spectrum can influence animal behavior. Red light helps to reduce the visibility of blood; when birds are injured, the sight of blood can trigger heightened aggression and subsequent pecking behavior toward the injured individual. By minimizing this visibility, red lighting can help to mitigate aggressive behaviors, thus reducing the chances of cannibalism occurring in the flock. In addition, red light does not provoke the same level of stress in chickens as white light might, since it is less engaging to them visually. This further contributes to a calmer environment, which can help promote more peaceful interactions among birds. Overall, the application of red light in chicken barns serves as an important management strategy to maintain flock health and welfare by addressing the specific issue of cannibalism effectively.