My superspectacular High SCHOOL agriculture science project :D

[carress]

I think it's a great idea to explore Prop 2.. give some insight into the validity/necessity of it.

Counting eggs doesn't seem like the ideal way to test for stress. Are there any other indicators of stress?

Is there something else you can measure... something more straight forward? I was thinking life span, but obviously, you don't have that kind of time.

 

[lovinthechickens]

Quote:
Ya, ive researched ways to test stress in poultry, and this is all i could come up with that didnt cost thousands of dollars or years of work... keeping in mind this is a 2 month project.

 

[lovinthechickens]

More advice?

 

[GardeNerd]

How about comparing amounts of feather plucking, pecking each other, or illnesses. Those are all things stressed birds have issues with.

I think this sounds like a really cool science project. I am one of the people on the fence about Prop 2. I think the hens deserve good treatment, but I don't think we should mandate how farmers raise animals. Please post the conclusions! Have you done any other chicken related science projects?

 

[redhen]

i'm sorry, i think your test is flawed...how long are your hens actually going to be in the battery cages? for 2 months?? you cant get an accurate result from that....actual battery birds are there in those tiny cages for months and months...and months. AND....they know NO OTHER form of life....you really can NOT compare ....its not the same...good luck in your class though...

 

[Mahonri]

When did the test start?

If it started in Jan and you go to May, I'd say that's a semi decent test period.

Keep us informed of the results as they progress.

 

[lovinthechickens]

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Why thank you

I will be sure to post results.

As for the other was of testing, i wish i had the time to measure illnesses over a long time... but i only have a few weeks left

and the feather plucking... there all pretty much bald anyways. especially the battery caged ones. lol.

but thanks

 

[lovinthechickens]

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Started january first, ending march first.

So far, ive gotten a solid 5 eggs a day out of the battery caged hens.
3-4 out of the CFRs
1-2 out of the p2s

 

[lovinthechickens]

Quote:
Yes, but all of the birds are in an almost exact replica of their cages in the factory. They are used to this type of cage and have always been in the same sized cage. (the batts have always been in batts, ect.)
So, they have been in the cages for months and months. im just measuring over a 2 month period...

 

[unionwirewoman]

Although I don't know you , I feel very proud of you ! It's nice to see a young adult take the initiative to try and find an answer they were looking for . Not only are you delving into the political aspect of life , you're also trying to figure out what's best for the farmers .

I am a firm believer in the FFA . I was an officer 3 out of 4 years , and participated in everything from public speaking to judging . I think the FFA not only teaches youths self confidence , it also teaches humility , friendship , and hard work . Good for you on all you're doing ! Sounds like you have a great project going and should yield some great info !

As far as stress and egg laying goes , I think we've had quite a few threads on this . It's been proven and knowledge has been passed to others that when under stress , the hen will stop laying or not lay as often . After 2 months of laying there should be no flaws in your records as far as stress . Keep up the good work !!!