Evaluation of tonic immobility in common pheasant hens kept in different housing systems during laying period

Abstract. Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) hens kept in different housing systems during laying period were exposed to a tonic immobility test. At the end of the laying period, the shortest duration of the tonic immobility, and thus the lowest fear level, was found in birds kept in enriched cages, i.e. cages equipped with 2 perches and a hiding place. The duration of the tonic immobility in hens kept in enriched cages was significantly lower (P<0.05) than in hens kept in conventional cages where other measures against feather pecking were used (beak-trimming and using spectacles, respectively).