Chicken Behaviour and Welfare: From Backyard to Commercial
Explore chicken behavior, welfare assessment, and ethical considerations in poultry production for hobbyists and professionals.
Course Cost
₹ 2,699
Beginner
Skill Level
9 Hours
Self-paced lessons
Dive into the fascinating world of chicken behavior and welfare with this comprehensive course from The University of Edinburgh. Led by Dr. Victoria Sandilands, this program offers an in-depth exploration of chicken behavior, welfare assessment, and ethical considerations in poultry production. Through engaging video lectures, readings, and quizzes, you'll gain a thorough understanding of chicken sensory perception, behavior patterns, and welfare needs. The course covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of animal behavior and domestication to specific issues in commercial egg and meat production. You'll learn about normal and abnormal chicken behaviors, welfare assessment techniques, and the impact of different housing systems on bird well-being. The curriculum also addresses ethical obligations in animal care, welfare standards, and best practices in poultry management from hatch to slaughter. This course is designed to benefit a diverse audience, including hobbyists with backyard flocks, commercial poultry producers, veterinarians, and anyone interested in animal welfare. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to assess and improve chicken welfare in various settings.
What you'll learn
Understand chicken sensory perception, motivation, and behavior patterns
Explain the process of domestication and its impact on chicken behavior
Define animal welfare and apply the Five Freedoms concept to poultry
Assess chicken welfare using behavioral and physiological indicators
Compare different housing systems for laying hens and broiler chickens
Understand common welfare problems in poultry production
Explore ethical considerations and welfare standards in the poultry industry
Learn about best practices in poultry management, transport, and slaughter
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
3.12 Hours PreRecorded video
6 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
Shareable certificate
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There are 6 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of chicken behavior and welfare, covering topics relevant to both hobby flocks and commercial poultry production. The curriculum is divided into six modules, exploring various aspects of chicken biology, behavior, and welfare assessment. Students will learn about the sensory perception and motivation of chickens, their main behavior patterns, and how to define and assess welfare using behavioral and physiological indicators. The course addresses common welfare problems in chickens and explores different housing systems for laying hens and broilers. Ethical considerations in poultry production are discussed, along with various welfare standards and accreditation schemes. The program also covers practical aspects of poultry management, including transport and slaughter practices. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, and quizzes, learners will develop a deep understanding of chicken welfare and the skills to assess and improve it in various settings.
Getting Started
Module 1 · 17 Minutes to complete
Introduction to Animal Behaviour: Domestication, Behaviour Development and Learning, the Senses
Module 2 · 1 Hours to complete
Behaviour Patterns of Chickens, Part 1
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Behaviour Patterns of Chickens, Part 2
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
What is chicken welfare? Defining "welfare", ethical obligations, and welfare standards
Module 5 · 1 Hours to complete
Effects of housing, transport and slaughter on bird welfare
Module 6 · 2 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
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Faculties
These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they're here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.
Frequently asked Questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.




