About this course: 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

Who is this class for: 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.

Created by: The University of Edinburgh

Taught by: Dr Victoria Sandilands, Senior scientist
Avian Science Research Centre, SRUC

Language	English, Subtitles: French
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

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.

2 videos, 1 reading

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 an...

13 videos, 5 readings

Graded: Domestication, Development and Learning, the Senses

WEEK 2

Behavior Patters 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 preenin...

12 videos, 4 readings

Graded: Behaviour part 1

WEEK 3

Behaviour Pattens 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...

12 videos, 6 readings

Graded: Behaviour part 2

WEEK 4

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 an...

5 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz

Graded: Welfare, ethics, welfare standards

WEEK 5

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 system...

10 videos, 2 readings

Graded: Housing, transport and slaughter

FAQs

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Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 of 164 ratings

Very informative and accessible. This course is a must for all chicken-lovers.

Very educational and honest.

I've raised chickens all my life. This course has given me much insight into the rearing of chickens for egg production and/or meat. I have been given a more in depth view of problems with raising chickens and their behaviors and causes.

Some very useful info for my backyard flock.

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